1st February 2012

University sign language courses saved from cuts

Deaf studies and British Sign Language courses at the University of Sussex have been saved from the threat of closure.

The university is proposing all short courses, except Deaf studies, sign language and summer schools, will be closed by July this year to save money.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing said he regretted the centre is closing down.  He blames changes to higher education funds as the reason the university is no longer able to support short courses.

The decision has been met with opposition as 1,500 people have signed an online petition urging the university to reconsider its decision.

The University and College Union described the closure as a "hammer blow to adult learning in the county" but the university insisted the UCU's claim is "somewhat wide of the mark."

Speaking to Remark! News, a spokesperson for the university said Deaf studies and sign language courses offer key benefits to the Deaf community beyond the campus.

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(Image: TimBrighton via Flickr under Creative Commons licence)