Michael Spence: Provostial Aspects and LGBTQ+ Matters

Michael Spence serves as UCL's ultimate leader &8211; in his capacity as President and Provost, he spearheads the university's domestic and global reputation (despite the fact that a significant proportion of students remain unaware of his identity). However, similar to other individuals holding authoritative roles, Spence's tenure has not been devoid of contentious issues. 

Mr. Spence, formerly holding the position of Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sydney (USyd), faced a motion of no confidence during his time there, a measure that garnered ‘overwhelming' backing from his colleagues. His actions included billing USyd more than AU$10,000 for his personal subscription to the Oxford and Cambridge Club, and exhibiting a clear lack of understanding regarding USyd's sexual harassment reporting procedures, even as the institution itself dismissed claims of inaction concerning widespread sexual harassment on campus as ‘untrue'. These instances collectively illuminate the rationale behind such a resolution. 

Furthermore, beyond his UCL responsibilities, other public engagements undertaken by Spence merit consideration. For instance, one such activity is his less-publicized capacity as an ordained Anglican priest, or, indeed, his position as a trustee for the global Christian philanthropic organization Mercy Ships, a fact recently brought to the notice of The Cheese Grater. 

At present, Mercy Ships runs a pair of hospital vessels, delivering complimentary surgical procedures to African communities that might otherwise experience restricted access to adequate healthcare facilities. However, similar to numerous charitable organizations, and indeed, mirroring certain aspects of Spence's own background, Mercy Ships has not been entirely immune to controversy.

It is imperative, and indeed only just, to recognize that Mercy Ships undertakes critically important and life-preserving humanitarian endeavors, which have undeniably improved the circumstances of countless individuals residing in Africa. The personnel serving on these hospital ships, encompassing medical professionals like doctors and nurses, are volunteers who willingly dedicate their personal time to assist others in need. 

In a manner typical of the majority of charitable organizations, Mercy Ships operates under a defined Code of Conduct. Predictably, this document is substantially shaped by Christian theological principles and dogma, an approach which, though perhaps not universally appealing, is nonetheless comprehensible. Nevertheless, a particular stipulation, brought to the attention of The Cheese Grater by a UCL community member, presents a somewhat greater concern, especially considering Spence's position as UCL's Provost. Within the section titled ‘Sexual Immorality', the following declaration is made:

'Mercy Ships will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment, pornography, or immoral act (defined as any sexual contact between individuals who are not a legally married man and woman).'

While merely a brief provision, Mercy Ships' conviction that same-sex marriages and partnerships are invalid and unethical stands in severe opposition to UCL's consistent advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Moreover, this implies that even heterosexual relationships occurring outside the bonds of matrimony are deemed immoral. By associating himself with a philanthropic organization holding such stringent interpretations of morality, Spence's simultaneous involvement with Mercy Ships and UCL clearly presents a substantial and undeniable conflict of interest. 

A straightforward justification often advanced for this stipulation, which invalidates homosexual marriage, posits that it exists due to the fact that all five nations where Mercy Ships asserts its operations possess laws and societal norms that are discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community, thereby exposing its members to potential danger. 

Sexual activities between individuals of the same gender are proscribed by law in both Senegal and Cameroon. While being homosexual is permissible in Guinea, Madagascar, and Benin, marriage between gay individuals remains unlawful, and a pervasive homophobic culture continues to exist. Should a vessel be moored in the harbor of a particular country, its occupants become subject to that nation's legal framework. Furthermore, individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ would probably face prejudicial treatment in these regions, given that homosexuality is not generally embraced.

Nevertheless, such circumstances do not serve to justify the clause's current wording or its presence within the document. The very terminology employed is profoundly troubling. Rather than clearly stating that the provision aims to safeguard LGBTQ+ volunteers potentially interested in serving with Mercy Ships, it labels same-sex sexual activity and marriage as ‘immoral'. Consequently, the clause's particular phrasing implies that LGBTQ+ individuals would not be received favorably by the organization.  

In a comparable vein, the use of the descriptor ‘immoral' within the clause inadvertently equates same-sex sexual relations and marriage with grave offenses such as sexual assault or pedophilia. This unfortunate linkage significantly reinforces several of the most prevalent, enduring, and malicious stereotypes historically utilized to foster discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community over many years.

Ultimately, Spence's affiliation with Mercy Ships is fundamentally at odds with UCL's stated position regarding diversity and inclusion. It is regrettable, though perhaps predictable, that the hyperlink to UCL's ‘Equality and Diversity Strategy' document, found on the University's official website, appears to be non-functional, directing users solely to a ‘404: page not found' error message. 

Despite these issues, the university currently led by Spence publicly declares itself to be pro-LGBTQ+ and takes pride in actively embracing gender and sexual minorities within its community. This commitment is exemplified by the presence of an Equity and Inclusion Sabbatical Officer, a dedicated Trans Officer, an LGBQ Officer, the active LGBT+ Network, and the occasional display of the pride flag above UCL's Portico. Such institutional pride is, however, patently incompatible with Mercy Ship's categorization of homosexuality as an immoral act. 

Upon a more detailed review of UCL's Policy on Disclosure of Conflict and Declaration of Interest, it becomes apparent that the document states the following:

'Conflicts of interest are not discouraged and recognising a conflict of interest doesn't imply  improper conduct or lack of integrity.'

It is crucial to acknowledge that Spence's involvement with Mercy Ships does not, in itself, suggest he harbors homophobic views. However, considering UCL's disaffiliation from Stonewall during his leadership and his declaration in 2017 that USyd would not officially back the legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia, his history concerning the advocacy for LGBTQ+ students is far from exemplary.

Furthermore, UCL's established policy pertaining to conflicts of interest stipulates that:

'[Conflicts of interest come about] often through circumstances entirely beyond [someone's] control or which could not be foreseen'.

This particular facet of the policy proves considerably less advantageous for Spence, given that he assumed the role of UCL Provost in 2021, yet only joined the Board of Trustees for Mercy Ships in 2022. It would therefore be reasonable to presume that he had reviewed the Code of Conduct prior to his engagement, thereby possessing knowledge of this specific stipulation.

Evidently, however, Spence either failed to thoroughly review the Code of Conduct of the charitable organization he was set to oversee, or he did so and nonetheless perceived no issue with the contested clause. Either scenario casts a dim light upon his judgment. Given his position as the leading figure of the United Kingdom's largest in-person university, his responsibilities inherently carry a significant public dimension. Consequently, the personal perspectives he opts to express (or, indeed, those he chooses to keep silent on) hold considerable weight and relevance. 

The implications conveyed by his involvement in a seemingly homophobic charity, by his oversight of UCL during its withdrawal from Stonewall, or by his decision not to offer institutional backing for a national same-sex marriage referendum at USyd, bear substantial significance for UCL's LGBTQ+ student body. 

Such choices create a potential perception that Spence is indifferent to matters concerning the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, the dynamics of his engagement with both Mercy Ships and UCL indicate that he perceives no inherent conflict of interest concerning an issue of such considerable importance.

The presence of this conflict of interest, whether resulting from a lack of diligence or outright disregard, erodes the confidence vested in Spence as a leader expected to champion the interests of every student at UCL, irrespective of their sexual orientation. Given the University's consistent demonstration of its esteem for its LGBTQ+ students, Spence's contradictory affiliations pose a threat of alienating the LGBTQ+ community and thereby weakening the institution's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. 

The emergence of yet another troubling narrative involving Spence prominently highlights the imperative for enhanced transparency and greater consistency throughout UCL. Conversely, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are so passionately championed, risk being dismissed as mere empty rhetoric if there is no leadership prepared to genuinely uphold them.

A request for commentary was extended by The Cheese Grater to the Provost's Office; however, no reply had been furnished by the publication deadline.

This piece was published in CG 87