Here is Hull College’s response to our Freedom of Information request:

Q: Does your HE establishment have a policy on the use of fur?

A: Currently there isn’t a HE policy regarding the use of fur, however all staff in the fashion department ensure that if any fur, leather or suede is to be used it is the decision of the individual student and is sourced through the British fur association and other ethically aware companies such as GH leathers who will only use skins that are a by-product of the meat industry.

Q: Does real fur feature in any of your fashion or design courses, and if so, in what way?

A: The annual British fur association competition is available for students who wish to enter through their Creative Futures module. This is optional and all students views and opinions regarding the use of fur are valued. The use of fur would never be written into any module due to the differing and conflicting moral stance of individuals.  Some students chose to use fur, leather and suede in the development of their L6 Major Project Module. Again students purchase and source fur for this module through the fashion team ensuring ethical products are purchased and can be traced.

Q: What financial support, including sponsored competitions do you receive from the fur industry?

A: Currently there isn’t financial support available for students, however the British Fur competition winners receive extensive industry training, work placements, their collection sponsored and entry into the international REMIX competition.

Q: Does your HE establishment allow or facilitate the fur industry to promote design competitions, summer schools, sponsorships, internships, or scholarships?

A: We are emailed the British Fur Design Competition brief each year and it is offered to students as an optional competition to be included in their Creative Future module. In the last 5 years Saga Furs have been into the institution to deliver a lecture about sustainable and responsible practice.

This university actively engages with the fur industry.

Real fur is cruel and unnecessary. Please urge the University to remove fur from its courses, cease engaging with the fur trade, and adopt a fur free policy.  Email: info@hull-college.ac.uk