Academic bullying is hidden in plain sight

Tormented by playground thugs as a child, Jonathan Taylor reflects on why the insidious bullying found in universities is similar but much worse

August 29, 2024

Times Higher Education

Jonathan Taylor

"It’s November 1983. I’m in the final year of primary school. It’s playtime and I’m alone, hiding in the wasteland behind one of the school’s mobile huts. The hut’s painted a similar green to my school sweatshirt, so I’m hoping I’m camouflaged, like the chameleons we’ve been studying in class. I’m hoping I’m safe.

I’m not: two minutes later, my arch-nemesis Lee Hardwick (not his real name) sidles round one side of the building, his three sidekicks round the other. I’m cornered.

‘Don’t be scared,’ says Lee. ‘We only want a little chat with you.’ He seems reasonable, placatory: ‘I’m not that bad, you know. But you and me, we never seem to get on. I dunno why.’

‘You’re bullying me,” I say. Lee snorts: “Don’t be silly. I’m not a bully.’"





UK Plans to Fire Former Lab Director Stanley

Decision follows investigations by the school as well as HISA and HIWU.

September 17, 2024

BLOODHORSE

Frank Angst

"A nine-page report released Sept. 17 from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and its enforcement arm alleges Dr. Scott Stanley was removed from his leadership position of the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory because the lab failed to meet standards on several fronts.

Perhaps the most concerning of those allegations is that the lab, under Stanley's direction, failed to perform confirmatory analysis on samples whose initial screening showed the potential presence of a prohibited substance.



Also Tuesday morning, the University of Kentucky issued a release saying it would move to terminate Stanley's employment after it concluded that he did not follow appropriate business practices in reporting equine drug tests and did not honor certain standards and obligations. Those allegations were detailed in a 25-page draft audit report from the university."



RCR In-Person Training Certificates will start to expire in November