UCD has since issued a statement to “clarify its position”.
A professor has resigned from a position at University College Dublin (UCD) in response to a statement issued by the college on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Monday, UCD wrote on Twitter:
“University College Dublin joins the Irish Government and wider society in its concern with the situation in Ukraine, and in particular with the violation of international law and the unnecessary and tragic human suffering and loss of life.
“We are offering support to students, staff, faculty and collaborators affected by the crisis and urge any affected member of our community to stay in touch.”
On Tuesday, Professor of International Relations at UCD Ben Tonra shared the Tweet, highlighting the wording: “The situation in Ukraine”.
He then added: “I am deeply, profoundly ashamed. From ‘Ireland’s Global University'”.
https://twitter.com/Bentonra/status/1498584059945046016
In a later tweet, Tonra said he was resigning from his role as the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law’s Vice Principal for Internationalization and Global Engagement with immediate effect.
“Based on the statements and response of the University’s leadership to the invasion of Ukraine and the role of the Confucius Institute on campus, it is clear to me that I do not share the values underpinning UCD’s global engagement strategy,” he stated.
“I will continue my teaching and research as Full Professor of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations and the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law where I am privileged and proud to serve.”
https://twitter.com/Bentonra/status/1498620831999668226
Funded by the Chinese Government, the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland was established in 2006 in order to develop “stronger educational, cultural and commercial links between Ireland and China”.
So far, China has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Following Tonra’s resignation, UCD issued another statement on the Ukraine invasion in which it said it wished to “clarify its position”.
“UCD deplores and condemns the actions of Russia in invading and attacking Ukraine,” it said.
“This act of military aggression is a violation of international law and is completely unjustified.”
JOE reached out to UCD for comment on Tonra’s resignation.
UCD deplores and condemns the actions of Russia in invading and attacking Ukraine.
This act of military aggression is a violation of international law and is completely unjustified.
👉 https://t.co/MPd7IM57Cw (2/2)
— University College Dublin (@ucddublin) March 1, 2022
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