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Open letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield

This is an open letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield from the staff of the University.

Dear Professor Koen Lamberts,

Bullying in Higher Education is a long-standing problem that is starting to come to light with increased scrutiny. Here at Sheffield, evidence is mounting that shows we are far from immune to this problem.

When bullying happens, it affects all of us and weakens our university. It is demoralising, demeaning the collegial tone of our interactions and lowering our productivity. It also strikes at the heart of what we claim the university should be.

Although bullying usually takes place between two individuals, the institutional response can be crucial in fostering an environment where such actions are tacitly acceptable. The university can take active steps to show that these actions will not be tolerated. It is a choice, do we want a culture of collegiality and civility, or do we want a culture of bullying? The facts are clear. Bullying of academics, support staff, and casual workers is taking place across the university. We are writing to you asking for you to take action to stop this.

Ideas that have been successfully trialed elsewhere include explicit anti-bullying clauses in contracts, a university-wide code of conduct that is enforced with consequences, and an anonymous reporting system that is maintained by an outside organisation to prevent internal suppression of claims.

All of these can be implemented here, and we are asking you to do this as a priority. The sooner we can stamp out institutionally tolerated bullying, the better our university will be.

Yours sincerely,

A Professor at The University of Sheffield & staff
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