UCC president clarifies remarks on support for disadvantaged students

THE president of University College Cork, Dr Michael Murphy, has responded to widespread criticism of his suggestions that some educational supports for disadvantaged and disabled students be diverted to more gifted students.

Yesterday, a number of UCC intellectuals joined a group of 25 academics from other universities who suggested Dr Murphy challenge the state on third-level funding rather than advocating that disadvantaged students, those with disabilities or mature students shoulder the burden so other students can prosper.

Thirty-four staff at UCC’s School of Applied Social Studies wrote to Dr Murphy expressing “concern, surprise and disappointment” at his comments.

They said there was an inference that students assisted by programmes for social disadvantage, physical disability and lifelong learning were academically weaker.

In an open email to UCC staff yesterday, Dr Murphy said: “I have simply set out my belief that the university should also protect the interests of the highly academically talented students in our society, some of whom may originate in socially disadvantaged parts of society or be challenged by disability. My call was for resources to be allocated for both and not as reported a cry of ‘either or’.

“I categorically reject the inference you drew from my speech that students ‘assisted through socially disadvantaged, physical disability and lifelong learning support programmes’ are ‘academically weaker’.”