Call for more ethinic minority staff in colleges
An equality watchdog has called for immediate action to tackle "institutionalised racism" in further education. Only four out of 500 colleges in the UK have black principals, and black staff make up just 6.9 per cent of the total in further education, a study for the Commission for Black Staff in Further Education has found. In comparison, 8 per cent of the population of England is from a minority ethnic group, and the proportion of minority ethnic students nationally has grown to 14 per cent.
Theology masters for Solihull octogenarian
An 80-year-old man from Solihull is to receive a masters degree in theology from the University of Birmingham later this month. Ron Farish began studying at the university in 1997. In 2000 he began a research degree and on July 23 he will receive an MPhil for his thesis Industrial Mission, Industrial Chaplaincy .
Search launched for sunken Scottish treasure
A search was being launched today for sunken treasure worth up to £2.5 billion lost at sea during the English civil war. The 60-ship fleet of General George Monck was sunk in the mouth of the River Tay after the sacking of Dundee by Oliver Cromwell's army in 1651. The ships, which sank in heavy seas as they fled the city laden with treasure, are believed to have been carrying the belongings of wealthy families from Angus, Fife, Perth and Edinburgh.
Militia service imposed on Zimbabwean students
Zimbabwe's students will soon have to serve in the youth militia before they can enter university, higher education minister Samuel Mumbengegwi has announced. Recent graduates will need certificates showing that they have completed national service before being employed, he added.
Ex-president questioned about Mexico massacres
Luis Echeverria, Mexico's 80 year-old former president, was questioned yesterday by a special prosecutor about two student massacres that occurred in 1968 and 1971 during a "dirty war" against left-wing opposition groups.