University Diary Blunder
A UNIVERSITY BLUNDER over a diary has provoked an angry reaction from OUSU. The diary, produced by the University in association with Thames Valley Police, was distributed to new students at last week's Freshers' Fair, unbeknown to OUSU's Vice-President (Finance), Steph Gray.
Gray attacked the diary on a number of counts. In particular, a full-page advertisement by anti-abortion campaigners 'Life', has come under fire. Gray writes: "The student union has policy to provide non-directive advice on the pregnancy and abortion to its members, and to campaign against the activities of such 'pro-life' organisations, who seek to deny women facing unplanned pregnancy the true range of information and support options they need."
The term diary also includes advertising from Stagecoach, whose sponsorship was unceremoniously dumped by OUSU after their chairman played a leading role in the anti-gay "keep the clause" campaign earlier in the year.
Gray objected to the fact that the term diary - in direct competition with OUSU's own similar publication - was distributed at a stall intended for Crime Prevention, donated free of charge by OUSU. He described it as "an abuse of the opportunity afforded to the University at OUSU's Freshers' Fair to promote crime prevention in the University."
But, after speaking to Norman Stewart, University Crime Prevention Officer, it emerged that the University had nothing to do with the advertising. In fact, the offending diaries were produced free of charge by their printers, KJR, who were responsible for selecting the sponsorship, and received all profit from the advertising.
Stewart told the Oxford Student that he was "not prepared to discuss the matter" before his meeting with Gray later in the week. He did, however, admit that the matter was "unfortunate".
Some classic quotes from the diary:
'"Shut that door and lock it"' Slightly extreme precautions for your fridge, but hey...
'"You never fail until you stop trying'" Unlike these guys who keep failing and keep trying.
'"If you suspect you are being followed, cross the road and head for a busy area."' Like Brixton.
'"Be all right - stay in the light"' Don't turn off your lights at night?
Oh dear.
12th Oct 2000