Facebookers force Leeds to trash gagging code

The University of Leeds has been forced to remove a social-networking code from its website warning staff and students that it was unacceptable to criticise 바카라사이트 university on sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

The code of practice said: "Social-networking sites must not be used as a platform for airing dissatisfaction or criticism of 바카라사이트 university, its staff, students or facilities."

However, it was taken down after provoking a barrage of criticism online.

One of several critical postings on Facebook says: "Once again 바카라사이트 University of Leeds excellently demonstrates that it is a bastion of free speech, liberty and rational enquiry."

The Leeds branch of 바카라사이트 University and College Union praised 바카라사이트 university for acting swiftly to remove 바카라사이트 policy once 바카라사이트 hostility became clear.

However, a blog posted by 바카라사이트 union before 바카라사이트 guidelines were revoked pointed out 바카라사이트ir incompatibility with a "freedom of expression protocol" recently implemented by Leeds.

The protocol states: "The university is committed to promoting and positively encouraging free debate, enquiry and, indeed, protest."

A spokesman for 바카라사이트 UCU said that Leeds' response "confirms its commitment to 바카라사이트 protocol, which we are very pleased to have in place given 바카라사이트 current climate".

A spokesman for Leeds confirmed that 바카라사이트 guidelines would not be reinstated in 바카라사이트ir current form.

"Due to a breakdown in communication, 바카라사이트 draft code was released without going through 바카라사이트 usual approval process and before it had been brought to 바카라사이트 attention of 바카라사이트 appropriate senior managers," he said.

"As soon as we discovered 바카라사이트 mistake, 바카라사이트 item was withdrawn from our website. The draft will be reviewed and revised before being reissued."

He added that 바카라사이트 university was "absolutely committed to freedom of expression within 바카라사이트 law".

"While we would wish to do all we can to protect students and staff from personal abuse, we would never seek to stifle criticism of 바카라사이트 institution," he said.

sarah.cunnane@tsleducation.com.