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The Bristol University student union has come under fire for its \u201cabsurd\u201d decision to ban the Army from its annual freshers fair.<\/p>\n
Some 13,000 Students attended the Bristol Freshers Fair yesterday, but among the more than 300 stalls pitching their societies, one name was missing.<\/p>\n
In efforts to \u201cdisarm\u201d their university, the Bristol University Student Union has banned the Bristol University Officers Training Corps (OTC) from their Freshers Fair.<\/p>\n
This decision has proved highly controversial, with the union coming under fire from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, saying this \u201cabsurd\u201d ban was \u201cindefensible\u201d and would \u201cdeprive\u201d students of the opportunity to explore a military career.<\/p>\n
The OTC offers \u201cinternationally recognised leadership training\u201d, which they argue is \u201chighly sought after by numerous civilian employers\u201d.<\/p>\n
The OTC also stresses that, after completing the programme, there is \u201cno obligation to join Regular Army or Army Reserves\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Student Union argued these decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and that \u201cgroups like the OTC offer an experience (such as making friends, developing leadership skills and adventure activities) which is very similar to, and therefore in direct competition with, our affiliated student groups\u201d.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> MoD chiefs call on ‘garden shed scientists’ to lead weapon development<\/strong><\/p>\n Abby Blackwell, 21, a member of Bristol’s OTC, questioned the supposed \u201copen-mindedness\u201d of the Student Union.<\/p>\n She argued this decision was the Union \u201cimposing their anti-military views on their students\u201d and expressed how \u201cdisappointed\u201d she was that they had \u201cbeen banned from the freshers’ fair\u201d.<\/p>\n She believes that \u201ctalented individuals who may have loved a career in the Army might not have one now\u201d.<\/p>\n This decision is not without precedent. Speaking to the Telegraph, a defence source said that OTCs, of which there are 21 across the UK, \u201chave been known to be banned by Student Unions\u201d before. They \u201caren’t always popular with the student body\u201d or \u201cleft-wing liberal\u201d Student Unions.<\/p>\n A spokesman for Bristol University said: \u201cWe respect our students\u2019 right to raise concerns about issues they feel strongly about and we will continue to listen to and engage with their views.\u201d<\/p>\n This decision has not stopped the OTC from trying to recruit. In response to their ban, they hosted a rival event \u201cheld at the same time and day as Bristol Fresher Fair\u201d so interested students could still get an opportunity to see what they had to offer.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n