EAS chalks up support for Euro constitution
The European Affairs Society has become embroiled in controversy after it emerged that a chalk graffiti advertising campaign used to promote the referendum may have been illegal. EAS President Alexander Halban initially denied the graffiti had anything to do with the EAS, but has since admitted it was responsible and apologised for the mistake.
A member of the EAS committee, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims Halban acknowledged the planned advertising campaign might be illegal before it took place, an allegation refuted by Halban. The source told The Oxford Student: “Alex knew that the society would be breaking the law by drawing on pavements but condoned it anyway.
“A lot of people are unhappy; by acting illegally he’s drawn attention away from the interesting debate thrown up by the referendum and is bringing the society into disrepute.” When first contacted about the accusations Halban refused to comment, stating: “The EAS does not condone illegal activity and [the chalk graffiti] had nothing to do with us.” But the society backtracked after this newspaper obtained evidence proving the EAS did carry out the graffiti campaign.
In the informal minutes from a society meeting held on 18th May and circulated by EAS research secretary Joy Johnston, the idea of a chalk advertising campaign is clearly expressed. “If legal, Olga [Bermant], Joy [Johnson] and Tim [Johnson] will chalk the streets Tues-Thurs next week,” the email reads. “We are sorry if there has been any confusion,” commented EAS Secretary Tim Johnston.
“We did the chalk graffiti on the assumption that it would be fine and that there wouldn’t be a problem. “If it transpires that it was not legal then of course that is incredibly regrettable and we apologise. “We didn’t do it with a view to breaking the law."
2nd Jun 2005