Aberdeen University is expected to decide on whether it will revoke an honourary degree awarded to the Sultan of Brunei next week.
Brunei sparked international uproar on Wednesday when it passed a series of strict Islamic laws which made homosexuality punishable by stoning to death.
People found guilty of theft in the small nation will be punished by having limbs amputated, while adulterers will also now face death by stoning.
Aberdeen University has come under pressure to take back an honourary degree it awarded Hassanal Bolkiah in July 1995, and confirmed the matter is under review.
An open letter demanding an “immediate decision” has now been backed by more than 500 students, lecturers, members of staff and alumni.
In response to the growing pressure, a university spokeswoman yesterday stressed that management had “acted swiftly”.
She said: “We are part way through our process and due diligence that is required if we are to revoke an honorary degree.
“We take great pride in our culture of promoting and celebrating inclusivity, and anticipate we will have a decision over the course of the next week.”
Politics and sociology student, Jacob Campbell, started the open letter which has secured hundreds of supporters.
He said: “More than 500 people have signed the open letter to Principal George Boyne and the honorary degrees committee, highlighting our disgust at the barbaric conditions the LGBT+ community in Brunei are forced to suffer.
“Revocation of the Sultan’s honorary degree is the very least the university can do to show it stands in solidarity with LGBT+ people.”
A spokeswoman for the Aberdeen University Students Association added: “Implementing this law is completely out of line with our principles and values.
“Such discrimination and violence has no place in modern society.”
