 Richardson herself stated that she had been absent at the event due to having "scheduled a trip to New York".An initial offer on her part for a non-binding "town hall discussion" as a replacement for the debate was rejected.The following day, Richardson sent out an email to staff in which she stated that "In the light of the depth of feeling of so many colleagues, we will convene a special meeting of council today at noon" at which it would be recommended that the university's council "reverse its response to the UUK survey in line with the congregation’s resolution".