Subject: Boycott of Middlesex University/ Department of Sociology, University of Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Istanbul/Turkey
Date: Sun, 30 May 2010 19:27:10 +0000

Dean Esche and Board of Governors

Middlesex University

The Burroughs

London NW4 4BT

30 May 2010

Dear Dean Esche and Board of Governors,

We write to express our shock and dismay at the suspension of students and Professor Hallward, Professor Osborne, and Dr Kerslake from Middlesex University. They stand accused of defending the practice of excellence in research and teaching against the absurd décision of closure  of the Department of Philosophy at Middlesex.

We therefore commit ourselves to an academic boycott of Middlesex University until it shows evidence of full reinstatement and continued support for its philosophy program.

Prior to such reinstatement, we will refuse to act as external examiners or to deliver talks at the school. We will encourage colleagues to reject job offers at Middlesex. We will refuse to visit campus for any reason other than to protest the decision to close the philosophy program. We will, in short, cease to engage with Middlesex as a legitimate academic institution.

Yours sincerely,

Ali Akay

Head of the Department of Sociology, University of Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Istanbul/Turkey