Thread by @dermotfeenan

1/5
According to this article in Times Higher Education (THE): “The information given by universities did not include details of why the agreements were used and some are incorporated into staff’s standard termination of employment […]” THE continued:

2/5
“meaning that there is no suggestion that any of the universities named are silencing victims of harassment or bullying.” No, it means: (a) the journalist did not request, under s. 8, Freedom of Information Act, information on bullying & harassment;

bit.ly/2IfupZC

3/5
(b) a university that uses NDAs routinely might be (&, given evidence elsewhere, probably is) silencing victims of harassment & bullying. Systematic use of NDAs to silence such victims raises profoundly important public interest concerns which need to addressed & resolved.

4/5
Harassment includes: s. 26(1)(related to 9 characteristics, including sex & race; referred to in my legal proceedings brought to a satisfactory conclusion against a former university employer), s. 26(2) (sexual harassment), or s. 26(3), Equality Act.

bit.ly/2IeFo5K

5/5
OK, the article is by a freelancer who may face cost constraints; but why isn’t @timeshighered ensuring that such important questions are asked before publishing; will you seek such information, &, if so, when?

#InvestigativeReporting #Harassment #SexualHarassment #Bullying