Those found in breach of the new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 on college campuses have been warned they could be kicked off their courses. Students have also been warned to stay away from pubs and clubs this weekend and are forbidden from attending freshers parties. But critics of the crackdown claim the draconian measures may be in violation of the students’ human rights.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she backed the disciplinary action as a “last resort”.
Speaking as the daily increase in cases reached a record high, with 558 Scots testing positive in the past 24 hours, Ms Sturgeon said discipline and enforcement “has to be part of the answer” for students who are “flagrantly breaching rules”.
University principals – backed by the Scottish Government – have made it “absolutely clear” to students they must not take part in house parties.
As part of efforts to prevent outbreaks in university campuses from spreading into the wider population, all students are being asked to avoid pubs this weekend.
Universities have also adopted the “yellow card/red card” approach to breaches of discipline, with students warned the consequences could include “potential discontinuation of study”.
Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has raised concerns about the human rights implications of such measures.
He said he was seeking an “urgent conversation” with ministers and universities “to establish the nature and legal basis for these restrictions”.
Asked if she backed the tough stance being taken by universities, Ms Sturgeon said: “Yes I do support universities taking disciplinary action as a last resort, and as a back stop.
“I would not expect universities – and I spoke to principals this morning and I know this is not their intention – to use discipline as a first resort.
“But as with the police, if you have people who are just flagrantly breaching rules then of course discipline and enforcement has to be part of the answer.”
READ MORE: SNP outrage as Scottish students risk being BANNED from going home
The National Union of Students has claimed students are being “unfairly” blamed for spreading the disease.
It condemned the “unjustified step of applying different rules to students over and above the rest of the adult population”.
But hundreds of students are currently self-isolating after outbreaks of the virus at Glasgow, Edinburgh Napier and other universities.
Ms Sturgeon also expressed sympathy for students, many of whom will be living away from home for the first time and could be having to self-isolate in halls of residence.
Describing herself as the “devoted auntie” of someone who has just left home to go to university, she told students directly: “I am so sorry, so heart sorry, that this time of your lives is being made as tough as it is just now.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said ministers had been “caught flat-footed” by the return of students to universities.
He said: “Students have been treated shabbily and as second-class citizens.
“Last minute, panicked changes to the rules and laws has left students feeling cheated at being trapped in expensive accommodation, unable to go home and with no in-person teaching for months.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie added: “Students must be supported to isolate comfortably and safely, not be effectively locked up.
“The Scottish Government must clarify the guidance quickly, and give students an answer about whether it’s both lawful and safe for them to return home to isolate.”
