University of Greater Manchester has suspended vice-chancellor Professor George Holmes. Two senior members of the academic staff were suspended pending an independent investigation of serious allegations made against the institution. This decision marks both a significant leadership change for the university as well as a tremendous opportunity. Only last December it took its new name from the University of Bolton after gaining approval from the Office for Students (OfS).
For the last two decades, Professor Holmes has been at the helm of this small, historic university. Now, he is the one being investigated as a city investigation probes claims of racism, bullying, and financial impropriety. Earlier this year, these claims were made public. In March Lucy Powell, the leader of the House of Commons, reassured Members of Parliament that the police and the OfS were both fiercely pursuing the issues.
No wonder the allegations have alarmed key stakeholders, including the Labour MP for Bolton West, Phil Brickell. He disclosed that whistleblowers have come to him with new accusations about “troubling practices” at the school.
In view of these recent changes, Dr. Greg Walker has assumed the position of interim vice-chancellor. He will additionally take on the role of interim accountable officer for the duration of the investigation, which is still in progress. The university’s new statement is a remarkable backtrack. They stress that while the suspensions are meant as a precautionary measure, this should not be taken as an assumption of guilt.
The probe should be an opportunity to heal deep wounds about the secrecy of the university’s administration and the culture of its governance. Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the veracity of these claims. At the same time, most of the academic community are looking forward to hearing what these shocking revelations will mean for the institution’s future direction.
