The Association of University Teachers has clashed with the Educational Institute of Scotland over a Trades Union Congress call for a Scottish parliament to have control of the universities.
David Triesman, AUT general secretary, said the association passionately advocated a Scottish parliament, but control of the universities would breach their charters and compromise academic freedom.
Ian McKay, EIS assistant secretary, refuted the claim, saying parliament would coordinate and look after all education in Scotland without harming the traditional autonomy of universities.