Armistice in college wars
Just over a week after Oriel's declaration of war against Pembroke, JCR presidents have, following Pembroke, "ceased all hostilities."
Minor incidents by both colleges escalated into violence by a handful of students, and resulted in the Deans of several colleges issuing warnings to the students and JCRs, leaving the war to be "ditched" by both colleges.
A handful of students, who remain unnamed, were reported to have "ripped up" the Keble Road sign, leaving it with an offensive note outside Keble's front gate. The action, which some have claimed was Pembroke's doing, has led JCR presidents to question the nature of the situation.
Further offensive action also occurred in Pembroke on Sunday, when a porter of the college was reported to have been verbally abused, and an attempt to forcibly open the Lodge gate was also made. The origins of the students remain unknown.
Addressing all JCRs, Pembroke's President, Josh Kern, insisted: "It is time to call it a day on the whole 'war', stating that following such aggressive action, "a joke ceases to be just that."
However, Kern maintained: "The 'war' was an attempt to boost attendances at our JCR Meetings. In no way was it meant to aggravate members of college staff or JCRs who did not wish to play a part."
Both Oriel and Pembroke are currently considering deals to resolve peace, whilst other colleges have taken similar stances, with Queens, St. Peter's and Christ Church backing out of the ordeal.
As Christ Church JCR president, David White, claimed, "JCRs are made to look the fool if this sort of thing turns bad, and it rather has."
14th Feb 2002