A midwifery student who was banned from her hospital placements because of her pro-life views has won a payout and an apology from her university.

Michael Robinson, SPUC Director of Communications said: “Students who hold pro-life opinions must be afforded the same opportunities and rights as all other students. Sadly, this case should never have occurred. However, we hope that this result sets a new precedent which affirms the rights of pro-life students.”

The 25-year-old student, Julia Rynkiewicz, was suspended from the University of Nottingham for four months after her lecturers questioned her “fitness to practice” because of her involvement with Nottingham Students for Life.

The case against Ms Rynkiewicz was later dropped by university officials. As a result, Ms Rynkiewicz has now received an apology from the University of Nottingham and financial compensation.

A representative from the University of Nottingham said: “While all universities take fitness-to-practice considerations extremely seriously, the university has offered an apology and settlement to Ms Rynkiewicz and is considering how we might approach such cases differently in future.”

“I hope no other student will have to experience what I have”

Ms Rynkiewicz said: “Putting my life on hold because of an unjust investigation was really difficult, both mentally and emotionally. 

“The settlement demonstrates that the university’s treatment of me was wrong, and while I’m happy to move on, I hope this means that no other student will have to experience what I have. 

“What happened to me risks creating a fear among students to discuss their values and beliefs, but university should be the place where you are invited to do just that.”

Justice for pro-life students

Recent reports from a study conducted by SPUC and the Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS) has uncovered rife discrimination against pro-life students in universities across Britain.

Further studies have also revealed that 38% of students believe that their future careers might be adversely affected if they openly expressed their true opinions.

SPUC’s Michael Robinson added: “Universities should be bastions of free speech, where differing opinions are explored and challenged. To silence any student, particularly on the basis of a deeply held philosophical belief, is to act against the Equalities Act.

“Unfortunately, students who identify as pro-life are not being treated the same as many other student groups – and we are finally drawing attention to that fact. The universities must work harder and hold student unions to account for not protecting freedom of speech.”