Frank Ellis (lecturer)

Frank Ellis is a former lecturer in Russian and Slavonic Studies at the University of Leeds, who was suspended for alleged racism.[1]

Before entering academia, Ellis served in the Parachute Regiment and the Special Air Service (SAS). He served with the latter in Oman.[2]

In 2000, Dr Ellis came in for criticism after making plans to attend a conference hosted by American Renaissance, where he would deliver a speech attacking the findings of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry.[1]

In February/March 2006, a paper called Leeds Student published an interview by Matt Kennard, a Leeds Student journalist, with Dr. Ellis, where he expressed his support for the theory developed by Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray that there are racial differences in average intelligence. Dr Ellis's comments were widely condemned, particularly in the light of his endorsement of the British National Party.[3][4] A campaign was launched by Hanif Leylabi, President of the Unite Against Fascism organisation, which called upon the university to sack Ellis. The story received coverage in The Observer, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Times Higher Education and various other national newspapers and radio stations as well as national and local television services. A statement was released by Leeds University Union calling for his dismissal. Leeds University condemned Ellis' views as "abhorrent".[3]

Ellis was subsequently suspended by the Vice-Chancellor, Michael Arthur, pending disciplinary proceedings.[3] The University issued a media release stating that it was investigating an alleged breach of its diversity policy. It also said Ellis's views were wholly at odds with the University's values, he had jeopardised the university's obligations under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, and that he had not apologised for his remarks.[5] Dr. Ellis took early retirement in June 2006, pre-empting the outcome of the disciplinary action.[6]

Ellis addressed the annual meeting of the Traditional Britain Group in 2012 [7] on the subject of "Liberal Totalitarianism".[8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Stuart Millar (2000-03-02). "Leeds don to attack Lawrence findings". The Guardian.
  2. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/education/2006/jul/12/highereducation.race
  3. 1 2 3 Matthew Taylor (24 March 2006). "University suspends lecturer in racism row who praised BNP". The Guardian.
  4. ↑ Tony Halpin (March 24, 2006). "Lecturer is suspended for 'racist' IQ claims". The Times.
  5. ↑ "Racism row lecturer is suspended". BBC News. 23 March 2006. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  6. ↑ Alexandra Smith (12 July 2006). "Lecturer at centre of race row takes early retirement". The Guardian.
  7. ↑ http://www.searchlightmagazine.com/archive/familiar-obsessions
  8. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X6qOPNEUg8
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