Diaries and Daily Mail causes EUSA squabbles

Concerns have been raised over the democratic structures within EUSA following a disagreement over the presence of diaries in the fresher’s packs.

The squabble occurred after the SRC executive unanimously voted to remove diaries from the 2009 Freshers' week packs.

As preparations for freshers week 2009 get under way, the finer details of the budget were debated by the SRC. However, once this was formally approved and the cost of the packs finalised at £32 each, the SRC executive voted unanimously to remove the diaries from the package thus lowering the cost of the packs to £30.

Their intention to lower costs for the new first years was based on a feeling that the planners from previous years lay abandoned, gathering dust in desk draws.

Controversially this decision was reversed by the association executive once EUSA's four sabbaticals held a meeting and decided that, as there was no concrete evidence, such as a survey, to confirm whether the diaries were largely superfluous, they could not justify removing them from the already finalised plans.

However, those on the SRC frustrated by the decision have queried the association executive's reasoning. Societies convener and vice president, Camilla Pierry, pointed out that the budget approved by the SRC had been delivered three months late, restricting the potential for amendments or revisions and making the higher-priced pack—including the contested diary—essentially a fait accompli. A survey of 300 students conducted by SRC members at Pollock Halls, claims Ms Pierry, showed that 72 per cent did not use the diary.

Speaking to The Journal, EUSA president Adam Ramsay sought to downplay the situation:"The Student Representative Council Executive is cross because the Association Executive has chosen to go with the budget agreed by Student Representative Council rather than the budget as later amended by Student Representative Council Executive – after the budget was formally approved.”

However, the issue has served to anger many who see this as a direct failing of EUSA’s democratic processes. The frustration felt is intensified by the fact that the technicalities of EUSA’s systems of committees, councils and executives are, to the average student, somewhat confusing.

Ms Pierry said: "If you’re concerned with a proposal you discuss it in the meeting – that’s what democracy’s about. But the sabbs can vote one way in public and backtrack in the safety of the office – it’s not accountable. I think that’s what’s got everyone upset.”

Mr Ramsay has acknowledged this and was keen to draw attention to the upcoming constitutional review, the plans for which are already being put in place.

He said: "EUSA committee structures are obscure and complex. They haven't been reviewed for a generation. We have launched a process to look into how and whether people would like to change them. I hope we can end up with a system suitable for the 21st century."

Commenting on what has been dubbed "diarygate" Mr Ramsay hit back saying: “While I happen to think that the diaries should not be included in the pack, as suggested by SRC Exec, I think this has been blown out of proportion a little."

Nonetheless, EUSA has become involved in a second scuffle over claims that those at the head of the organisation are attempting to stifle free speech. It has been suggested that the Daily Mail newspaper should be banned from sale in EUSA shops on the grounds that it is a 'racist' publication.

The idea was proposed at a Committee of Management meeting last month by EUSA vice president academic affairs, Guy Bromley and supported by Mr Ramsay, but was met by a mixed reception. While those supporting the proposal argued that EUSA had no duty to support the sale of the newspaper, some elected representatives have claimed that EUSA was imposing a type of censorship on the free press.

Mr Ramsay said: "The Daily Mail is a racist newspaper."

Referring to the paper's staunch stance on immigration, Mr Bromley outlined his support for the ban: "Freedom of speech is one thing, but a paper which so clearly vilifies large numbers of our students cannot be given a platform by EUSA. If anyone still needs the paper for any reason, they can bring it into EUSA buildings – we simply won't be selling it.”

There is a strong likelihood that the ban will be implemented, especially as a Potterrow shop spokesperson confirmed they only ever sell a handful of Daily Mails compared to an average of around 800 Guardian copies which fly off the shelves on a daily basis.

However, any decision must be approved through EUSA's democratic process. Mr Ramsay explained: “This will be discussed by the elected Committee of Management, and can go to a general meeting if people want to overrule their decision."