A Statement from Oxford SU on Stalls at Freshers' Fair
Freshers’ fair is Oxford SU's biggest event of the year and we’re really looking forward to welcoming you all! We hope it is an event that everyone can enjoy.
We are aware that students may be concerned about the content of some of the student society stalls. We’d like to clarify that Oxford SU has no say in the creation of societies or any direct affiliation with any club or society; they have to register through the Proctor’s Office. Additionally, UK freedom of speech legislation, as well as the University’s own policy, requires us to let any student society have a stall at our Freshers’ Fair.
We want to reassure you that we have put in place mitigations to support the welfare of students. These include making stallholder regulations more robust, including material content reviews, trigger warnings being placed on several stalls with potentially triggering content, and having a wellbeing zone where anyone who feels uncomfortable can go to relax, and chat to our advice and wellbeing team.
Over the coming year, we hope to communicate more about our responsibilities pertaining to freedom of speech legislation, especially given the incoming Freedom of Speech Bill, which is currently at the committee stage in the House of Lords and will affect JCRs and MCRs, as well as the SU.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact vpwomen@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk. You can also reach out to our SU Advice and Wellbeing advisors about any welfare concerns. Our team would be happy to have an informal chat with you about any worries you have. Contact them on advice@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk.
If you are looking for additional support, get in touch with the university counselling Service: Oxford University Counselling Service, 3 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX.? 01865 270300, counselling@admin.ox.ac.uk?
Oxford SU