Embargo: 00:01 Thursday 14 December2000
Top Nottingham University student turns down award inprotest over tobacco money
One of Nottingham University's topperforming students is to turn down a 'Student of the Year' award in protestover the university's decision to accept £3.8 million from British AmericanTobacco to fund an 'International Centre for Corporate SocialResponsibility'.
The MBA student, Jon Rouse, was tohave received his award on Friday 15th December at the degreeceremony, but is to ask for a short explanatory statement to be read out andthe prize money to be donated to Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
In a letter (attached)to the head of the Nottingham University Business School, Mr. Rouse argues thatit is wrong for "any academic institution to be building bridges with thetobacco industry" and that the decision will do "grave damage to theBusiness School's international reputation."
Clive Bates, Director of ASH, said:
"weare struck by the comparison between the thoughtful and ethical stand taken bythis high-flying student and the greed and opportunism of university'shierarchy.
"itproves that the university can already turn out people who understand corporatesocial responsibility without relying the corrupting and distorting influenceof tobacco money.
"thisis part of a groundswell of concern and distaste within the university and wethink Sir Colin Campbell should consider the wider implications of taking thismoney, and follow the other universities that have recently refused tobaccomoney.
ASH has written to the ViceChancellor, Sir Colin Campbell, detailing the multiple problems with BAT's'social responsibility and calling on him to reconsider the funding.
Contacts:
Clive Bates, ASH, 020 7739 5902(office) 077 6879 1237 (mobile)
Professor Ian Gow
Head of School
Nottingham University Business School
Jubilee Campus
Middleton Boulevard
Wollaton, Nottingham
Dear Ian
MBA (FINANCE) STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
I am extremely proud to have been offered the above award. Iwill be in Nottingham next Friday 15 December for the graduation ceremony andhad hoped to collect the award on that occasion.
Unfortunately, with considerable regret and a lot ofsoul-searching, I am going to have to turn down the award. I feel I have tomake some sort of personal protest at the University's decision to acceptcorporate sponsorship from British American Tobacco.
Whether we are considering public health issues or theimpact upon developing countries, I do not believe any academic institutionshould be building bridges with a global tobacco company. Indeed, I amconcerned that you are about to do grave damage to the Business School'sinternational reputation and I would urge you to reconsider.
On Friday, I will accept my graduation certificate but notthe award. Given that my family will be present, I hope you will understandthat this is not a decision I have taken lightly.
I would be grateful if you would allow the followingstatement to be read out at the ceremony:
“Jon Rouse wasoffered the MBA (Finance) award to reflect his academic performance through theyear. However, he has chosen to decline the award in view of the University'srecent decision to accept corporate sponsorship from British American Tobacco.He has asked that the prize be donated tothe Imperial Cancer Research Fund.”
I hope that in time this unfortunate episode will be putbehind us and I can resume the promotion of my proud association with theBusiness School throughout my professional life.
I am copying this letter to Sir Colin Campbell, ScottGoddard, and to ASH and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
Jon Rouse
