Sheffield University criticised for hiring “private investigator to spy on their own students”

Sheffield University has faced criticism after hiring a private investigator to look into the possible involvement of two student activists in a protest within one of its buildings.

One of the students described themselves as feeling “suicidal” because of the institution’s actions.

The two students in question received letters on November 9 informing them that the university had hired Intersol Global, a firm of investigators, to look into whether they were involved in a student occupation of a building last year. Sheffield Action Group occupied The Diamond in October 2022 in protest of Sheffield’s partnership with Rolls Royce, Boeing, and BAE Systems, and called for “no war criminals on campus or in careers fairs”.

The letters to the students noted that “a report of alleged misconduct by you is the subject of an investigation in line with the university’s regulations relating to the discipline of students,” and that due to its “serious nature” an independent investigator had been appointed.

An accompanying document said the regulations that were allegedly broken related to “the improper interference, in the broadest sense, with the proper functioning or activities of the university,” and that the students could face suspension or expulsion from the university, fines of up to £750, and bills of up to £1,000 for any damage to university property.

“It left me in quite a suicidal position because I felt there was no way out. It feels like, how have they got my name? There can be no evidence that I was there”

–Martha, Student

 

Both students said they could prove that they were not in the city at the time, and that the investigation is likely a result of their earlier activism work.

One of the students, Martha, who has mental health problems, said the uncertainty of having the investigation hanging over her head while she was in her final year of university had led to her having suicidal thoughts.

She said: “I became quite unwell in January and found it really distressing that there was this process happening, and I didn’t know what I’d even been alleged to have done or know how long it was going to last.

“It left me in quite a suicidal position because I felt there was no way out. It feels like, how have they got my name? There can be no evidence that I was there.”

The other student, Erin, who asked that their real name not be used, said they received the letter while they were on a year abroad in Amsterdam. After they responded, it took three weeks for Intersol Global to make contact. “They haven’t provided any evidence of their allegation, nor have they outlined what it was or what regulation the allegation breaches.

“They have consistently worked from the assumption that I am guilty.”

Erin and their parents have written to the Vice-Chancellor saying they believe the university has neglected its duty of care towards them. They added: “At the end of all this I have to go back to Sheffield and do another year and write my dissertation and that leaves me quite uncomfortable and distressed.”

Eva Spiekermann, Co-Director of Migration Justice and Movement Building at the student campaigning organisation People and Planet, said she was aware of such tactics at universities. She cited the University of Warwick working with BP to surveil a student climate activist, and the University of Manchester launching disciplinary action against students who occupied a building in a rent protest.

In reference to Sheffield University’s investigation, Spiekermann said: “Sheffield University’s response to student protest by hiring a private investigator to spy on their own students is alarming and clearly demonstrates the upside-down priorities of the university: instead of scrutinising their own institutions’ ties with arms companies that are making a profit of war and destruction, the university more readily invests funds and capacity to profile and police the student body.

“Leaving the investigation and allegations against the two student activists hanging for months certainly impacts on the students’ ability to study, participate in student life and continue campaigning for a more equitable and just university system.”

As the investigations are ongoing, Sheffield University said that it was not able to comment on the specifics, although it did confirm that it had offered wellbeing support to the students.

A spokesperson for Intersol Global said: “Intersol Global act as external impartial investigators for a variety of institutions, including higher education providers, and can confirm we are doing so in this case. The investigation is ongoing, and the investigation process is confidential, as such it is our policy not to make any comment.”