Northern Ireland

UU says LGBT+ rights 'central' to its 'commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion' after Qatar plans criticised

Ulster University. Picture by Hugh Russell
Ulster University. Picture by Hugh Russell Ulster University. Picture by Hugh Russell

ULSTER University (UU) last night said LGBT+ rights are "central" to its "commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion" following criticism of its plans to open a campus in Qatar.

The university is due to open the campus in Lusail in Doha in January. It comes after UU established a?partnership in Qatar with City University College to offer a range of business degree courses to students in Doha and elsewhere.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar with the country also heavily criticised for its human rights record.

Hannah McCullough, UU LGBT society chairperson, said she is "heartbroken" by the move. She also said she is worried the university is putting "financial gain over a community within their community" and will damage their international reputation.

"Before I came to university I really struggled with my own identity," she told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme.

"It was actually through the society last year and through the support from the university that I was able to accept my own identity.

"That's not going to be an option for those students.

"It's heartbreaking."

Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty also called on UU to set out how it will "safeguard the freedom of expression and academic freedom of its staff and students in Qatar, including those from the LGBTQ+ community".

A UU spokesperson said many UK universities were involved in "active partnerships across the Middle East" and would be delivering a leadership programme for women.

"Ulster University believes that education is a route for societal growth, facilitating improved global access to higher education and the positive social outcomes that come from that," he added.

"LGBT+ rights are central to Ulster University's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including through an active LGBT+ staff network that champions equality for all, regardless of gender or sexuality."