UNIVERSITY students have been evicted from their halls of residence after they were identified as having breached coronavirus restrictions.
It comes after police were called to disperse a large party at the University of Sussex’s Falmer campus.
The Argus reported that "more than 100 people" attended, despite the government urging people to stay at home to stop the spread of a new, more transmissible strain of Covid-19.
A letter sent by the University of Sussex's communications team today warned students that any further incidences of lockdown rules being breached could lead to them being dismissed from the institution.
It reads: "Keeping our students, staff and local community safe during this difficult time is our absolute priority and it must be emphasised that we will not tolerate repeats of the recent serious breaches in our residences, where gatherings have been held.
"...We have now taken action to evict students who are identified as breaching the government guidelines and the law.
"If this happens again, students could additionally face dismissal from the university entirely – and we have the ability to do this immediately.
"Legal letters will be issued to students living in flats where these offences are committed, to ensure they are aware of the consequences – and the university’s zero tolerance approach."
Three students were slapped with £200 fines following the incident in the early hours of Sunday.
There were also further breaches of lockdown rules by University of Sussex students over Halloween, when footage emerged of partying students being dispersed by dozens of police officers.
The letter from the University of Sussex's communications team says a "small number of students have returned" to the Falmer campus following the winter break.
"Please note the Government has stated that students should not return to their University address at this time, unless for exceptional reasons," it added.
The letter also included a comment issued to the university by Chief Inspector Dan Hiles, district commander for Brighton and Hove.
He said: "The vast majority of students within Sussex are law abiding, and at Sussex Police we thank you for this.
"Most are listening to the government warnings, accepting the advice and taking personal responsibility to play their part at a time when excess death rates are high and infection rates are dramatically increasing.
"However, there are still a minority who think the law, and the guidance, does not apply to them.
"These people believe it is ok to bend the rules, to justify their breaches and be irresponsible.
"While our policing stance remains to be one led by engagement, explanation and encouragement; for those who flagrantly disregard the rules, we will work in partnership with the university to ensure that they are dealt with robustly when necessary, justified and proportionate.
"Every unnecessary contact – be that through a coffee date, party or travelling when not required - is another possible life lost.
"So, we implore you now, make good choices and help us to keep Sussex safe.”
The letter concluded by thanking "the vast majority of students who are acting responsibly and abiding by the law".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel