A professor at a UK university has successfully challenged the institution”s decision to terminate research focused on forced labor in China after facing pressure from Beijing. Laura Murphy, an expert on contemporary slavery, revealed on Monday that her legal efforts led to a change in the university”s stance.
Murphy, who has authored several reports linking forced labor practices in China”s Xinjiang region to global supply chains, initiated legal action against Sheffield Hallam University after it announced restrictions on her research. Following this move, the university acknowledged the importance of academic freedom and issued an apology.
The legal intervention was prompted by revelations obtained through freedom of information requests, which indicated that the university”s initial decision was influenced by “direct threats” from Chinese security authorities. It was reported that Beijing had also restricted access to the university”s online platforms within China, posing challenges for student recruitment.
In her statement, Murphy emphasized that UK universities must not act as extensions of the Chinese government, thereby facilitating its efforts to suppress criticism of its treatment of the Uyghurs and other minority groups. “The academic community must persist in conducting rigorous research that sheds light on what is happening,” she stated.
Murphy further disclosed during a BBC Radio interview that she had received information about intimidation tactics employed by Chinese authorities against university staff based in Beijing. Earlier this year, she was informed that the institution would no longer permit research related to forced labor or China, imposing significant restrictions on her external activities.
A spokesperson for Sheffield Hallam University clarified that their initial decision was not driven by commercial interests in China, noting that Chinese students represented a minimal portion of their international enrollment. The spokesperson stated, “The university”s decision… was taken based on our understanding of a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance.” They reaffirmed their commitment to defending the academic freedom of their staff.
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that government ministers had previously raised concerns about the matter with Beijing. “After learning of this case, government ministers raised it with Beijing, and we welcome the university”s decision to support this research,” the spokesperson stated.
