Oxford suspends Prof Wilkie

Tuesday, 28 October 2003 12:00 AM

An academic at Oxford University was suspended without pay yesterday after refusing to admit an Israeli student because of his nationality.

In June, Professor Andrew Wilkie, Nuffield professor of pathology, rejected an application from Tel Aviv University student, Amit Duvshani.

Professor Wilkie was suspended without pay for two months and will have to attend equal opportunities training.

Prof Wilkie emailed the student, telling him he had a "huge problem" with Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.

He told Mr Duvshani there was "no way" he would accept anyone who had served in the Israeli army.

Oxford vice-chancellor Sir Colin Lucas approved the punishment handed out by the disciplinary body, the Visitatorial Board.

A spokesman from the university said: "Professor Wilkie fully accepts the gravity of the situation and is determined to make full use of training to ensure that his actions and those of his staff reflect best practice in future.

"He particularly wishes to make it clear that he greatly values the diverse backgrounds of the staff and students with whom he works and looks forward to applications from able candidates, whatever their background."

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