Sheffield Hallam University is under fire. Allegations indicate that the university faced sustained intimidation efforts from Chinese officials to cease its research on human rights. The South Yorkshire Police initiated an investigation and referred it to the national counter-terrorism unit. This action comes after allegations raising serious concerns under Section 3 of the National Security Act prohibiting assistance to foreign intelligence services.
According to local reports, university staff in China have reported being threatened by someone posing as a member of China’s National Security Service. These outrageous allegations have just become public. These people successfully lobbied the University of Washington to cancel Professor Laura Murphy’s research on China’s forced labor. Her work was located in Sheffield. Internal documents show that after interacting in conversation with claimed perpetrators, officials made the decision to suppress public dissemination of this investigation. This decision greatly improved staff interpersonal relations and diminished threats to staff wellbeing.
Sheffield Hallam University being sued for defamation by Chinese firm. Consequently, the university’s insurers have denied coverage for social sciences faculty. This lawsuit was the result of a report written by Professor Murphy. The university added that its previous decision to stop Murphy’s research had not been driven by commercial interests in China. They weren’t just picking on China — they argued that it is not a major market for international students at their institution.
Professor Murphy’s research activities were suspended earlier this year, and have since been restored. According to a university spokesperson, “Following a review, we have since approved Professor Murphy’s latest research and are committed to supporting her to undertake and disseminate this important work.” The spokesperson further clarified that the decision to discontinue her research initially arose from a “complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance.”
Sheffield Hallam University has taken steps to address these serious allegations, asserting its commitment to academic freedom and the safety of its staff. The institution has furthermore referred the case to the counter-terrorism police unit for further investigation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the decision was not based on commercial interests in China. Regardless, China is not a significant international student market for the University.” – University spokesperson
“A decision by the university not to publish a final phase of the research on forced labour in China was communicated to the National Security Service… Immediately relations improved and the threat to staff wellbeing appears to be removed.” – Internal documents from Sheffield Hallam University
