Stirling University is under increasing pressure to keep the Religion programme at Stirling after the campaign to save it has gained national attention.
A petition to keep the department has bypassed 1500 out of the 2000 signatures needed and more academics are pledging their support.
The British Association for the Study of Religions have affirmed their support to save the religion department.
A letter addressed to Principal Gerry McCormac urges the university to reconsider their actions.
It says:
We recognise the pressures on the university in the current economic climate but consider this to be precisely the wrong time to diminish scholarly debate about religion and religions. The academic study of religion has a key role within higher education institutions in its critical examination of the essential historical role of religions in culture and society.
Earlier this week, The Scotsman published a letter from Richard H Roberts, Visiting Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at Stirling. He described the potential axing of religion as “a critical loss”.
The closure of the critical study of religion at Stirling will be a loss to Scotland and this final act should not take place without, I believe, adequate public discussion.
Brig reported last week that the university plans to scrap the Religion programme, which could lead to the loss of four staff jobs.
The university have confirmed current Religion students will still be able to complete their studies, as will students starting in September.
Any students who have further concerns can contact Union President Andrew Kinnell at the following email address: president.union@stir.ac.uk
Sign the petition to keep the Religion programme at Stirling here.
by Jennifer Hale
