Editing London Metropolitan University (section)

===Dalai Lama Honorary Doctorate controversy===
In May 2008, London Metropolitan University presented the [[14th Dalai Lama]] with an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy,<ref>[http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=402148&sectioncode=26 London Metropolitan University – Dalai Lama visits], ''Times Higher Education Supplement'' 29 May 2008</ref> for "promoting peace globally".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7408799.stm UK University honours Dalai Lama], ''BBC'', 20 May 2008.</ref> This move caused controversy among the Chinese public and the [[overseas Chinese]] community,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/22/content_7839485.htm|title=Overseas Chinese communities condemn sabotage activities in Tibet|date=2 March 2008|access-date=6 September 2010|work=Window of China|agency=[[Xinhua News Agency]]|location=Beijing|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928030636/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/22/content_7839485.htm|archive-date=28 September 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> who view the Dalai Lama as partly responsible for the [[2008 Tibetan unrest|2008 unrest in Tibet]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7302654.stm|title=Dalai Lama urges end to violence|date=18 March 2008|access-date=6 September 2010|work=BBC News}}</ref> As a result, Chinese migration agents had been reported to "boycott" London Metropolitan University in advising clients who wish to study in the UK.<ref>[http://world.people.com.cn/GB/57506/7380085.html 多家留学中介表示抵制挺"藏独"英国高校] (Several overseas study agencies say they will boycott British University that supports Tibetan independence), ''Global Daily'', 13 June 2008.</ref> The university's Vice-Chancellor, Brian Roper, in July sent a controversial public letter of apology to the [[Chinese Foreign Ministry]] via embassy officials.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2008/jul/09/highereducation.uk|title=University says sorry to China for Tibet degree|first=Polly|last=Curtis|newspaper=The Guardian|date=9 July 2008|access-date=6 September 2010| location=London}}</ref> In an interview with the ''[[Global Times]]'', a worker at a Chinese [[study abroad]] agency suggested that the university could repair the offence of the honours by refusing speaking platforms to Tibetan independence groups, such as the university's own "Free Tibet Society".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-07/08/content_6826398.htm|title=London school regrets honoring Dalai Lama|first=Li|last=Xiang|newspaper=[[China Daily]]|date=8 July 2008|access-date=6 September 2010}}</ref> The university has also faced criticism for offering free scholarships specifically reserved for students from the Tibetan exile community in India, Nepal and the West, in a case of non-merit "[[racial quota]]s".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-07/08/content_6826398.htm|title=London school regrets honoring Dalai Lama|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref>