University students sent home

October 7, 2020 - Several Exeter University students were sent home, as vice-chancellors across the country cracked down on breaches of Covid regulations .

Exeter confirmed it had suspended “a small number” of students for breaking the university’s Covid rules amid a surge in infections.

The National Union of Students (NUS) described the fines as obscene and called for a more “care-centred” approach to students, thousands of whom had either been infected in the first weeks of term or are self-isolating in halls of residence.

Exeter’s Labour MP, Ben Bradshaw, said students had been through a very difficult time, but backed the university’s disciplinary measures.

He added: “It’s often by taking tough and drastic action early and effectively, that you can ensure more freedoms are enjoyed further down the line.”