On the 28th May 1968 I took a Studies. Since that time there has and actions (re 'sit-in" etc.). Thus the certain course, of action, to challenge been no suggestion that my academic response of Senate in overruling the system of examinations with record has been unsatisfactory. On everyone else can be reasonably respecific reference to my finals papers the contrary my tutors have all sup- garded as an act of irrational dis- Part Il for the joint degree of ported me on the question of my crimination against the political sociology and politics, at the Univer- continuing at-the University as a views and actions of a student. sity of Hull. full-time student. The regulations in no way forces This action consisted of ripping My tutors are unanimous in their them to attempt to eliminate my up the first paper, and boycotting verdict that had I taken the examina- presence at the University, the the other four papers. The VORT tions, then I would have passed Senate has used and abused the before I had taken Part I of the comfortably. Thus it is clear that regulations as a shield for their less final degree - four papers, and the decisions taken about my than worthy motives. passed without difficulty in all academic future were concerned not Power in the University is clearly papers. with my academic ability, but with concentrated at the top, and those Clearly any student who knows mAy willingness conform to at the top are clearly more conthat examinations are a purely archaic, and authoritarian examina- cerned with regulations and their arbitrary and subjective device for tion regulations, which not need to preserve their undemocratic arranging students into grades, can- accepted as legitimate by the main authority, than to listen to those on not readily prostitute his knowledge body of students. In other words I the lower rungs of the academic inside the examination-room. will not be an obedient little boy in pyramid, or to put the real aims of My actions were consistent with bowing to their authority, conse- education before the rationale of a facts about examinations, confirmed quently I must be punished by being specific structure of power. time and again by research. I remain banished from the University except There are no academic grounds more than willing to complete my for the purpose of repenting my for not allowing me to continue as course by other more sane methods previous actions, by taking the a full-time student-I wish to go on of accessmen e.g. dissertations, examinations next May. to do postgraduate work, this is which would actually involve far Further Section (4) is a calculated also the wish of my tutors. My more work than the traditional insult which does not even hold tutors unanimously accept the need examination, water, in that if a student has not to reform methods of assessment However the response of the failed any examinations, then the such that, if needs be, my qualificaauthorities demonstrates their lack authorities are bound in good faith tions would be completed thus of interest in any such rational to award that student an honours enabling me to go ahead with postchanges. On July 31st I finally re- degree, if he passes Part II. baving graduate study. but I absolutely ceived an official communication already passed Part I of an honours refuse to take any further examinafrom the University of Hull (after a degree. tions just because some unelected lapse of two monthst) which reads:- However, my main concern is not authority asserts itself by saying, "Following upon a special meet- to quibble with the regulations, and "We say so", without being capable ing of Senate held last week, it has their interpretation of them, but to defending their verdict as being been agreed: rather to expose the mismanagement in the interests of higher education. (1) That you presented yourself in of our universities by an anrepre- conclusion 1 would like to May 1968 for Part II of the sentative minority of the teaching quote Karl Popper on the subject of Final examination for the B.A. staff, who are responsible neither to educational authoritarianism. "The Joint degree in Political Studies the majority of staff, nor to the authoritarian will in general select and Sociology; majority of students. Hence they are those who obey, who believe, who (2) That you be not re-admitted to able to calmly ignore the recom- respond to his influence. But in so the University; mendations of my tutors, and even doing he is bound to select medioc(3) That you be allowed to take Part the head of one of my departments; rities. For he excludes those who Il of the Final examination in they are able to overrule all those revolt, who doubt, who dare to Political Studies and Sociology who hav eactually had some contact resist his influence. Never can an on one further occasion in June with me as a student, all those who authority admit that the intellectually 1969: are able to form some opinion con- courageous, ie. those who dare to (4) That you be deemed not eligible cerning the quality of my academic defy his authority, may be the most for the award of honours when valuable type."
you take this examination. Since I have been at Hull I have The students demand changes, the Yours sincerely. not failed a single examination in staff want changes, meanwhile the (Sgd.) W. D. Craig, particular by refusing to sit for my professorial elite builds academic Registrar." examinations in May 1968 I cannot castles on the sands of time-sooner These decisions are little better be deemed to have failed thent. Thus or later the tide of change will than an insult both to myself and the attempt of the authorities to sween those castles away. In the to the official policy of the Students' switch in midstream the status of meantime I will suffer the doubtful Union (which demands alternatives my degree is quite clearly a loss of the University's official to examinations as voluntary options "political" manoeuvre on their part, blessing with regard to my future for all students). neainst a stadent who they read as I had originally been provisionally an undesirable member of the Univeraccented to do an M.A. in Political because of his ne al views