We the undersigned express our firm opposition to the threats made by management to Modern Languages at the University of Glasgow (see ‘Glasgow University plan to axe courses’, The Herald, 9 February 2011).

The proposed cuts would harm severely the quality of education in Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and beyond. They would also undermine considerably the University’s claims to serve the wider community by producing graduates equipped to function in a world in which linguistic and cultural competence are essential. 

The British Academy, the House of Lords and the Council of Europe have all emphasised that advanced language skills and knowledge of other cultures are vital to the UK economy and its intellectual and cultural life. 

If you agree that modern languages are important to higher education in the UK and you oppose the cuts proposed at Glasgow University, please join us by signing the petition below. Key management decisions will be taken at meetings very soon, so this is urgent.

Dr Jim Simpson, University of Glasgow

Dr Maud Anne Bracke, University of Glasgow

Dr Clare McManus, University of Glasgow

Dr Penny Morris, University of Glasgow

Dr Mary Heimann, University of Strathclyde

Prof. Keith Reader, University of Glasgow

P.S. As well as signing the petition, please click 'like' on the Facebook page 'Modern Languages and Cultures at University of Glasgow under threat' and forward the link.  Thank you.