James Nicholas Tooley, the Vice Chancellor of Buckingham University, has been standing out in a time when many in academia shy away from controversial topics.
Known for his strong stance against the rising tide of “woke” culture in education, Tooley has gained the admiration of some high-profile political figures, including Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Since stepping into the role in 2020, he has taken a bold approach, championing free speech and critical thinking.
Tooley’s efforts to provide a refuge for academics excluded from other institutions for their views have made waves, and he even created a center dedicated to studying “woke ideology” at Buckingham, in a nod to the university’s founder, Margaret Thatcher.
From Financial Struggles to Unexpected Success
When Tooley took over, Buckingham University was in dire straits, losing nearly £20 million.
But under his leadership, the university has experienced a remarkable turnaround.
By embracing a new vision, including a focus on intensive, two-year degree courses, Buckingham is now operating at a surplus of £6.2 million.
Despite this success, not everyone is pleased with his direction, especially when it comes to his outspoken views on political correctness.
Tooley’s commitment to challenging the status quo has made him a target for some, leading to a dramatic and surprising scandal.
The Allegations and Suspension That Shook Buckingham
In October, Tooley’s career took an unexpected turn when he was suspended by the university’s governing Council due to “serious allegations” about his conduct.
The announcement caused a media frenzy, and things got even more complicated when Tooley was temporarily barred from his home, the prestigious Ondaatje Hall.
However, after 16 weeks of investigation, the university cleared him of all allegations, which were ultimately found to be baseless.
For Tooley’s supporters, the suspension seemed to be part of a larger scheme to discredit him.
The Divisive Role of Tooley’s Personal Life
At the heart of the allegations against Tooley were claims made by his estranged wife, Cynthia, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and TV personality.
She accused him of illegal possession of a firearm and of having an inappropriate relationship with a woman from India, dating back over a decade.
The latter claim was particularly damaging, as it involved allegations of infidelity during a time when Tooley was working on his charitable school projects in the country.
These accusations, however, were found to have no basis, with the so-called “unlicensed firearm” being a legally owned air pistol, and the relationship in question being completely legal.
The Unfolding Drama: A University in Crisis
Tooley’s suspension, which was carried out without the consent of the university’s Council, sent shockwaves through the institution.
The decision to act on Cynthia’s claims without first verifying them was widely criticized.
The media coverage and the suspension itself created an impression of guilt before Tooley had even been given a chance to defend himself.
For several days, he was forced to stay in a hotel, and even had to worry about the fate of his wife’s abandoned cat at his home.
Despite these challenges, Tooley remained determined to clear his name.
Unsubstantiated Allegations and The Investigation
After the university’s initial suspension, a barrister named Joseph O’Brien was brought in to investigate the allegations.
The resulting findings revealed that the accusations were completely false.
The supposed affair with the woman from India, which had occurred many years ago, was found to be an entirely consensual relationship, and there were no legal or moral violations involved.
Tooley’s supporters believe that the entire affair was motivated by a combination of personal animosity and political opposition to his anti-woke stance.
A Political and Personal Battle
The timing of these allegations, coinciding with Tooley’s stance on free speech and his appointment of controversial figures like Ayaan Hirsi Ali, suggests that the attacks on his character were not entirely coincidental.
According to several of Tooley’s friends and colleagues, the entire episode feels like an orchestrated effort to remove him from his post due to his political views and outspoken criticism of the left-wing ideologies that have increasingly taken hold in academia.
His supporters believe that his suspension was part of a broader attempt to silence those who challenge the mainstream narrative.
Fallout and Calls for Accountability
As the investigation cleared Tooley’s name, many university staff and academics have called for accountability.
Several senior figures within the university’s Council, including Mark St John Qualter, the chairman, and Camilla Soames, the vice-chair, have been accused of mishandling the situation.
Friends and colleagues of Tooley are now calling for resignations, with the view that those responsible for his suspension should take responsibility for their actions.
Some argue that the handling of the entire situation reflects poorly on the university’s leadership and that significant changes are needed to restore confidence in the institution.
The Cost of Cancel Culture
The toll that this entire ordeal has taken on Tooley cannot be understated.
Not only has he been publicly humiliated, but the personal strain has been severe.
Many of Tooley’s supporters view this as an example of the dangers of cancel culture, where accusations, regardless of their veracity, can damage someone’s career and reputation.
They argue that the public shaming of Tooley and the months-long suspension were not just unfair but an attempt to silence an individual who dared to challenge the prevailing ideologies of modern academia.
Tooley’s Return and the Future of Buckingham University
Now that Tooley has been cleared of all accusations, he is poised to return to work at Buckingham University.
However, the damage to his reputation and the institution’s reputation remains.
Some believe that the university’s leadership will struggle to recover from this scandal, with many calling for a full investigation into how the entire situation was mishandled.
Tooley’s supporters are adamant that the people responsible for his suspension must now face the consequences of their actions.
Whether the university can recover from this crisis remains to be seen, but for now, Tooley’s return marks a significant, if bittersweet, victory.
A Cautionary Tale for Academia
The saga of James Tooley and Buckingham University serves as a cautionary tale for other institutions in academia.
It highlights the dangers of rushing to judgment in the face of unfounded allegations and the toxic impact of political correctness on the freedom of speech.
In a world where cancel culture is on the rise, Tooley’s story reminds us of the importance of due process and the need to defend those who challenge the status quo.
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