A further set of allegations have come to light against a UK University that is facing accusations of discrimination against Indian students in Engineering.
Media reports revealed that Leicester’s De Montfort University (DMU) allegedly racially discriminated against its students, out of which 128 were engineering students of Indian origin, making up 52 per cent of the entire pathway. It is alleged that out of the 128, 89 or almost 70 per cent failed.
Indian overseas students studying Advanced Biomedical Science at DMU have approached former Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who has written a letter to the vice chancellor Professor Katie Normington on Monday. The letter, as seen by Asian Voice reads, “I have now been contacted by Indian overseas students pursuing MSc. Advanced Biomedical Science at DMU. These concerns add to matters raised by the Engineering students at DMU. Firstly, I must emphasise that the students of the Engineering Department remain disappointed with the response they have received from the university. In addition to the concerns expressed in my previous letter, they continue to raise vital issues that require careful attention and resolution.” Vaz also listed significant challenges following their appeal process.
“I wish to reiterate that my intention in raising these matters is rooted in the utmost respect for the academic excellence and reputation of DMU and our collective need to protect it. Addressing these concerns diligently and impartially will serve to further strengthen DMUs commitment to providing a supportive and equitable learning environment for all students.
“I sincerely hope that the meeting with the affected students can be arranged as a matter of urgency, and I await your response and the other information requested,” Vaz added.
In his letter to the vice chancellor, Vaz imperatively mentioned that fresh evidence has been brought to his attention by more than 50 students pursuing MSc. Advanced Biomedical Science. These students find themselves deprived of their master's degrees at DMU, citing the following concerns. One of the concerns listed in the letter said that approximately 50 Indian students, despite performing well in their exams, have failed to achieve passing marks ranging from 40 to 49.
The Indian High Commission wrote to the UK university demanding an investigation into the said claim. This letter came soon after there were reports of more than 80 learners from India at Leicester’s De Montfort University (DMU) who complained about this development. The High Commission has reportedly sent a letter titled “Alleged discrimination against Indian students”, to the vice chancellor, Professor Katie Normington.
Further reports suggest that Lord (James) Wharton, Chair of the Office for Students (OfS), has responded to the concerns raised about De Montfort University (DMU). He wrote to the individual who raised the issue, confirming that the information provided was immediately passed on to the regulation team at the OfS. He also mentioned that at least seven affected students directly contacted the OfS since receiving the letter.
While the OfS typically does not intervene in individual disputes between students and universities, it has taken the unusual step of engaging with DMU to further investigate the matter.
This is a developing story.
