Professor David Greenaway
Vice Chancellor
University of Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham
NG7 2RD
Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 3005
Email: david.greenaway@nottingham.ac.uk

Dear Professor Greenaway,

As a member of the University of Nottingham I am writing to express my concern at the University’s role in the case of Hicham Yezza, a popular and respected staff member and alumni of the University.

Hicham’s contribution to the student and local community are substantial and unique. He has been a force for good on campus and beyond in the thirteen years he has spent in Nottingham. This has included working with the University authorities to promote a more inclusive and tolerant academic environment. Furthermore Hicham has dedicated many years of his life to promote our University. He has regularly featured in its prospectuses, and was instrumental in encouraging many students to enroll here.

Although I am aware of the letter you sent to the Home Office on the 28th May (almost a week after its decision to fast-track Hicham’s deportation and thus too late and too weak in tone to have any effect), I believe that more positive steps to help Hicham should have been taken. The University has made little effort to contact or assist Hicham. This is not an appropriate way of treating a valued member of the University and sends the wrong message to all of our students and staff, in particular, those from the international and Muslim communities of which Hicham has been a leading and notable member.

I am worried that the University’s actions might seriously undermine its reputation and prestige both in the UK and internationally. I believe our University has a duty of care towards all its members, especially those like Hicham who have done so much to bring about a progressive and diverse atmosphere on campus.

Thousands of University staff and students have already expressed their support for Hicham’s right to remain in the UK. I urge you to join them in standing by Hicham by publicly expressing appreciation for his valuable contributions to the University.

Best regards,