Chichester settles with students over axed African history course
Students who sued the University of Chichester over its decision to axe a unique master’s programme have reached a settlement with the institution.
Chichester suspended recruitment to its master’s by research (MRes) course on the history of Africa and the African diaspora in July 2023, arguing it was not economically viable.
It also made the course leader, Hakim Adi, redundant. Adi is believed to be the first historian of African heritage to become a professor of history in the UK, and students argued that they had signed up to the course because of the promise that he would lead it.
Thirteen students on the MRes and similar PhD courses initiated legal claims over the university’s decision and have now reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum, their lawyers have announced.
Jacqueline McKenzie, the head of immigration and asylum and human rights team partner at Leigh Day who represented the students, said: “Both parties confirm that they have reached agreed settlement terms in relation to the dispute which is subject to a confidential settlement agreement.”
The institution was previously made to pay students compensation over the matter after an investigation by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator found the students’ complaints were “partly justified”.
It said students had a legitimate expectation to be taught by Adi after the university advertised the course, stating students would “learn directly” from the academic. It also noted that Chichester had described him as the “only professor of the history of Africa and the African diaspora in Britain”.
A spokesperson for the university confirmed that a settlement had been reached and declined to comment further.