Sandwell College has been accused of losing all sense of proportion over the dismissal of a lecturer, and warned it will face industrial action if the decision is not reversed.

The college sacked Dave Muritu for gross misconduct on Wednesday. Muritu had written on a poster promoting the controversial Prevent programme.

Muritu admitted to drawing on the poster and apologised for his actions but, although the college acknowledged that his actions didn’t bring the institution into disrepute, he was summarily dismissed last week.

Muritu is the local branch secretary of Sandwell UCU, and played a key role in negotiating a landmark pay deal for staff last year. Two days ago, in a branch meeting of over 60 members, Sandwell College UCU re-elected Dave as Branch Secretary in my absence. The branch also overwhelmingly endorsed a move to ballot for industrial action demanding reinstatement.

This is a clear message to management that the branch will not stand for victimisation; they will not have the fantastic gains they have achieved rolled back. If they come for one of us they come for all of us.

Please join the national demonstration at Sandwell College in West Bromwich (just opposite the West Brom Metro stop) on Saturday 22 June 12.30pm for 1pm start.

Please send messages of support and donate to the branch hardship fund by contacting the Sandwell College UCU Branch Chair, and sign the  online petition here!