RIVAL factions have held rallies at Ruskin College over the fate of a suspended tutor.

Yesterday a rally was held outside the college to call for Dr Lee Humber to be reinstated by the Headington college. That followed a number of students showing their support for him on Tuesday.

But an alternative protest yesterday called for Dr Humber to remain suspended, following a decision made against the tutor by principal Paul Di Felice on Monday.

Ruskin College refused to disclose the official reason for the suspension.

In a statement, Business Development Manager Nicki O’Shea said: "Further to the recent press release from the local branch of University College Union (UCU), Ruskin College would like to clarify that the information contained therein is not based on fact and refers to two entirely unconnected events. The College does not comment on internal staff matters.

"Whilst the College will not be commenting further on specifics, it is important to note that this is entirely unrelated to the College’s vital trade union work and, together with the welfare and education of all our students, this continues to be a proud priority."

The UCU statement referred to read: "The suspension, on bogus charges, came after an overwhelming Vote of No Confidence in the Principal by Ruskin College UCU branch.

"UCU is calling for the immediate reinstatement of Dr Lee Humber and for the bogus charges against Lee to be dropped. We urge everyone to send emails to the Principal and Doug Nicholls, the Chair of the Ruskin College Board of Directors asking for the immediate reinstatement of Lee and clarification of why a trade union representative has been victimised by Ruskin College."