Keele students fight Philosophy axe plans
Students are protesting against the decision tomorrow (March 23) as the university proposes to stop the course’s intake from September.
An email leaked from Vice Chancellor Nick Foskett detailing plans to close the department has caused uproar.
Philosophy lecturer James Tartaglia told StaffsLive: “This decision completely goes against the history of Keele.
“Philosophy is special to the university as it was set up by a philosopher.
“A huge range of famous philosophers have graduated from Keele like Anthony Flew. It’s a decision that has come right out of the blue.”
Student Adam Kimberley set up the Facebook group ‘Save Keele Philosophy’ which has gained over 2,300 followers in less than a week.
Reductions in funding mean Keele has had to set a target of saving a total of £6.5m across the university.
A university spokesman said in order to deliver education of the highest quality significant cost saving measures must be taken.
Second year student Taryn Stack, 20, a member of the campaign committee, told StaffsLive: “It’s been a huge shock for all the students and staff as we’ve been given just over a week to fight the closures at a time when many of us are writing essays and dissertations.
“It has been painful to see the lecturers who we’ve always had such a good relationship with so unsettled and genuinely devastated by the proposed closures.”
Prospective pupil Adam Amarth, 18, said: “Two of my UCAS choices were to study Philosophy at Keele and both were accepted as conditional.
“I am extremely disappointed it may be the case that there is no course for me to go to.
“This should have been decided upon and enforced before the application process was available to the new starters.”
Current students have been reassured in an e-mail from the Vice Chancellor, which states: “Whatever point in your studies you have reached, you will be able to complete your degree in Philosophy at Keele.”
On April 7, the University Council will vote to either save or condemn Philosophy. Students are hoping their intervention may prove decisive.
Campaigners are urging all who oppose to meet tomorrow at Keele’s Student Union at 1.30pm.
