Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: Queen's investigates 'reckless' behaviour at alleged party in halls

Queen's Elms on the Malone Road. Picture by Mal McCann
Queen's Elms on the Malone Road. Picture by Mal McCann

Queen's University is investigating "irresponsible and reckless behaviour" by some students in halls of residence, involving allegations over a party breaching Covid-19 guidelines.

The party is understood to have taken place in the Elms BT9 student village last week.

A video allegedly shows students doing ‘rock the boat’ in halls, according to Belfast Live

In a statement, QUB said it was "aware of a video showing students on university premises breaching public health guidelines, putting their safety and the safety of those around them at risk.

“This is reckless and unacceptable behaviour and the University has launched an investigation into how this occurred." 

An email seen by the BBC which was sent to students from QUB registrar Joanne Clague was entitled: "Student breaches of public health guidelines".

Ms Clague said the university was aware of a "small group" of students in university accommodation who had failed "to act responsibly".

"This irresponsible and reckless behaviour is putting the health and wellbeing of other members of the Queen's community at risk and cannot be tolerated," she wrote.

"An investigation has been launched and disciplinary measures will be applied robustly in line with the student code of conduct regulations.

"Many of you will be aware of circumstances in other universities where access to facilities and the freedom of students in university accommodation has been curtailed to mandate adherence to public health guidelines," Ms Clague continued.

"At Queen's, we have respectfully chosen to treat our students as independent adults in the expectation that they act responsibly.

"It is very disappointing that some students appear to have abused that trust.

"A number of interventions have been made immediately to ensure a similar situation is not allowed to happen again."

Some students in Holly Grove in the Elms Village are self isolating after a number of positive tests for Covid-19.