Students fearing activist backlash

Keith Mann, who was once sentenced to 14 years in jail for offences including possession of explosives and criminal damage, was invited to introduce a film on the Animal Liberation Movement at a meeting in the Arts Tower.

But the organisers, student members of the Sheffield Animal Friends group, say they have been pressurised by university security staff who claimed the event could pose a threat to the safety of staff and students.

Fourth-year biology student Erin Dawkins said she had been closely questioned by university security .

"Our group has been running for many years and we have always campaigned for the rights of animals in a peaceful and fair way.

"We don't believe we have to go through protocols or get permission to set up an event like this - we are exercising our freedom of speech."

Erin, 21, said although Mr Mann had previous convictions for his animal rights activism, he had paid his debt to society and had appeared on TV as a respected spokesman.

"We were told the meeting could be banned. But what really angered me was the implication that as a biology student I had access to laboratories and sensitive information and was in a 'position of trust'," she said.

"The insinuation was that I was a likely threat to the university, even though I am in my fourth year and I have never caused the slightest problem."

Fellow student Oliver Dean said neither Erin nor any other student had access to sensitive areas without supervision, or to confidential information.

A university spokeswoman said the University's security services team were dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety and security .

"A member of our security services team advised the student of the procedures that needed to be taken, to ensure her meeting could proceed safely and as planned. The University actively encourages freedom of speech."

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