A Brighton student who was viciously assaulted by her lecturer boyfriend was failed by the University of Sussex, an independent review has found.
The university was heavily criticised when it emerged last August that it had not suspended senior media lecturer Lee Salter even after he was convicted of assaulting postgraduate student Allison Smith in June.
A report published today says it was only after the university learnt that the media were aware of the case that he was suspended, on 3 August. He then quit on 12 August, the same day the Independent newspaper ran a story.
The report, written by Durham University’s Professor Nicole Westmarland singles out the university’s director of student services Claire Powrie, for praise, saying she was the only member of staff to approach anyone outside the university to ask the police if Salter posed a risk to others. The police officer said she could not comment on this.
Mrs Powrie also provided Ms Smith with “subtle, unassuming and discreet” weekly emotional support after Salter’s arrest, and attended the whole trial and her graduation. This support is still ongoing.
Another unnamed professor was also praised for being a lone voice speaking out. The report adds: “She and some other staff, mostly female, have carried an unrecognised heavy load in terms of emotional labour in recent months as the case has generated discussion about the response of the University and about domestic violence generally.”
But the report criticised the HR department for relying on legal advice given in relation to another member of staff who had been accused of domestic violence towards someone outside the university community.
It also reveals that the academic tasked with carrying out a risk assessment to establish how much of a risk he posed to others only interviewed one person – Salter himself.
Professor Westmarland praises the university’s domestic abuse policy – but said it had not been followed properly.
And it also said that the university failed to communicate with Ms Smith and other external organisations, and failed in its duty of pastoral care.
Perhaps most worryingly, Professor Westmarland said that several other students and staff members had approached her to say that the university had been dismissive of similar complaints of abuse and harassment they had made, appearing to be most concerned about the alleged perpetrator.
A common theme in responses had been to make excuses for the accused, that they were under stress or having a hard time.
Professor Adam Tickell, who commissioned the review on his first day as the university’s new vice chancellor last September, said: “Our foremost concern remains with Allison Smith, who has been incredibly courageous in sharing her story.
“I have spoken with Allison to let her know my personal views and it is only right that I am now able to formally, and publicly, acknowledge that the University’s response to her case was inadequate.
“Consequently, on behalf of the University of Sussex, I am very sorry for the failings identified in Professor Westmarland’s report. I am grateful to Allison for taking part in the review. We will continue to offer her whatever support she needs.
“In the short time I have been at Sussex, I have become aware of how upset many members of our community were to hear about this case and I want to publicly recognise those feelings and views.
“There are important lessons from Professor Westmarland’s report about our procedures and cultural expectations, and I am committed to the University addressing these issues.
And what about Allison’s qualification.
She clearly failed because of the impact of the relationship; she should be funded to redo the course.