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Down the pan
Three lecturers at Leeds University have been suspended without pay and now face prosecution due to an incident filmed in toilets on campus. Attempting to relieve the stress of academic life, the three, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were caught on CCTV smoking cannabis joints, resparking the debate on whether CCTV threatens citizens' civil liberties.
But it is the appearance of cameras in toilets has caused perhaps the greatest controversy. One cynical student commented that 'Big Brother' tactics were being taken to extremes: "There'll be cameras in our rooms and they will be checking our e-mail next!" He added that if they did install cameras in their rooms, people would be disgusted by some of the things that the students got up to, "It would not be a pretty sight, especially for the more sensitive members of society amongst us."
Animal Antics
The sexual activities of elephants have caused problems for students at Nottingham Trent University. An image depicting two of the aforementioned creatures in an uncompromising position and the slogan "Get F**ked at Clubbered" appeared on an Athletics Union T-shirt advertising a night out but university officials have confiscated some of the shirts and are threatening to fine students seen wearing them after receiving a formal complaint. Animal activists have also expressed concern over what they see as the gratutious exploitation of elephants. Although they deny that elephants will actually be offended by the images.
Jon Mason, editor of the University's newspaper Platform and one of the students responsible for confiscating the now infamous garments, declared that he found the situation "rather amusing", although he admitted that such publicity was not good for the University. Despite members of the men's hockey team claiming that the elephants are in fact indulging in a spot of piggyback, wearing one of the shirts now carries a fine of up to £100.
Old boys rule okay
Details of a secret 'Old Boys' society have emerged at Edinburgh University, enraging equal opportunities campaigners. Described as being an excuse for cronyism and debauchery, the society, whose members include the University's Principal and world-renowned lawyers, meets in order simply "to get blind drunk and misbehave". Female students, strictly excluded from the society, are disgusted that the society appears to have influence in establishing networks enabling law students access to lucrative job opportunities.
Claiming that the club was not secret and held literary discussion and debates, current President Gavin McColl sought to defend the society. Members only get drunk "if they feel like it" he claims, yet questions remain to be answered. Despite the influence membership is alleged to bring, female students have expressed no particular inclination to join such a bastion of sexist traditionalism, instead favouring the disbanding of the society.
Radio Nasty
A student radio presenter was mistaken for a sex attacker in Exeter. The student, known only as 'Mr Mangetout', hid from other presenters of University Radio Exeter by concealing himself in bushes while wearing a dinner suit with a paper bag over his head. Bizarrely, Mangetout happened to choose a location where a suspected rapist had hidden only days before and was spotted by observant local inhabitants who considered calling Exeter Police. Removal of the paper bag revealed that the incident had been an incredible coincidence.
Brave sailor
A Durham student was said to be in agony during competition at a university sailing competition last month. The crew member, who has not been named, was shot in the face with a air pistol wielded by a youth outside Salford Union after a night-out prior to the competition. Despite the incident, Durham narrowly won the men's race.
Compiled by the News Staff