Campaigners reacted with disappointment after Bangor University decided to recommend appointing a non-Welsh speaking head today (Friday 11th June).Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (the Welsh Language Society) argues that the University still has the chance to place a legal duty on the successful candidate to learn Welsh.Over recent weeks, students, staff and campaign groups across north Wales have asked University officials to reverse their decision not to make speaking or learning Welsh a legal condition for the new vice-Chancellor of the college.

According to campaigners, the University has missed an opportunity to appoint a bilingual person to such a vital post. Rhys Llwyd, Vice-Chair of Welsh-language group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg and research student at Bangor University, said:"We're gutted that the University has carried on and appointed someone who can't speak Welsh. Bangor University no longer deserves to be described as a Welsh institution, given its attitude to the local community. It's essential that the new official can communicate properly in Welsh given the substantial number of Welsh speaking students, staff and local communities here. The University still has an opportunity to make learning Welsh a legal condition of employment on the new officer, they have no reason not to do so. "Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will demand that the University takes the following practical steps to attempt to rectify, what they call, their glaring mistake. The society is pressing for the University to:> Include in the new Vice-Chancellor's contract that he must learn Welsh within his first year in the job, and if that condition is not fulfilled to restart the appointment process.> Immediately increase the number of Welsh-speaking officers on the Management Group from 0 to 2 by: (i) appointing a new bilingual Deputy Vice-Chancellor with one responsibility, namely designing and leading a Welsh-medium education and research strategy for the University and be a public leader for the institution in Wales; and (ii) ensuring that Welsh is essential for any other vice-Chancellor appointment> Adopt a new and stronger language scheme to ensure that every high-level post in the University from now on is a bilingual appointment.For further infoRhys Llwyd - rhys@cymdeithas.org / 07834556202