Lecturer appeals against sex harassment ruling

An Edinburgh University academic is appealing against dismissal after an internal university tribunal found him guilty of sexually harassing students.

James Carrier, who was appointed reader in social anthropology last October, will have his appeal heard by a senior lawyer who is neither a university employee nor a member of court.

Dr Carrier, who is also editor of the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, was fired after the tribunal investigated complaints by three female students. He denies their claims.

Dan Hannard, president of the the university's students' association, said after Dr Carrier's dismissal: "We are pleased that the university has taken the students' complaints seriously and has dealt with them promptly and in such a way that it is clear that the university will not tolerate harassment in the university community."

The social anthropology department is facing legal action from another former academic. Alan Campbell is suing the university for personal injury damages after losing his constructive dismissal case.