epigram 28.02.2023
SU’s Annual Members Meeting: 'This is not how democracy should be carried out' •
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The AMM was marked by claims of undemocratic proceedings AeroSoc challenge the SU over their running of the event
Mark Ross
Co-Editor-in-Chief
T
he Students' Union Annual Members Meeting (AMM), which took place on Monday 13 February, has faced criticism from students following a series of controversial debates and procedural difficulties. The SU’s largest democratic event of the year, the AMM is a chance for students to have their voice heard
prospects of Aerospace graduates. The motion prompted a series of impassioned speeches on both sides of the debate. Speaking on behalf of AeroSoc, Reuben Bouchard-Saunders proposed the motion be split to find a middle ground, a move which generated procedural confusion and exasperation amongst audience and organisers alike. Unfortunately, the debate prompted certain individuals to resort to abuse and aggressive behaviour both in-person and online. One individual, speaking via Microsoft Teams, is reported to have stated the Aerospace students ‘will never see the light of heaven’ for their connection to these companies. An in-person speaker responding to AeroSoc’s arguments is also reported to have likened the department’s students to ‘murderers’.
A speaker responding to AeroSoc's arguments is reported to have likened the department's students to 'murderers' by the Students' Union. Individuals can propose motions which, if passed, must be implemented by SU officers for at least three years. It is also a chance to decide whether to renew previous motions, which expire after a three-year period. Tensions escalated when the motion ‘Let’s Disarm Bristol! Lobby the
In an open letter to the SU, Bouchard-Saunders has raised concern with the lack of ‘clear and effective’ responses to this behaviour, stating that ‘this is not how fair and free debate should be carried out’. Concerns were also raised regarding the procedural handling of the event. There were allegations of
'Everyone who has contacted us directly has been given the opportunity to meet with our democracy team' University to End Ties with Arms Trade Companies’ was raised to be renewed. The motion directed the SU to call on the University to ‘to divest from arms trade companies linked to alleged human rights abuses’, and ‘to support any student movement against arms trade links in the University of Bristol’. It sought the University’s divestment from ‘arms companies linked to human rights abuses’ through targeting careers fairs attended by these companies and pushing the SU to lobby the University to ‘create a progressive plan to divest from arms trade companies’. The proposal was opposed by members of AeroSoc, the University’s Aerospace Engineering Department Society, who argued, among other points, that this motion has a disproportionate impact upon the career
individuals being photographed while voting, without consequence. The hybrid nature of the event allegedly also led to votes being collected via emoji reacts to group chat messages. AeroSoc raised concerns regarding the Chair’s comments on the validity of the results. Organisers stated that the threatening online messages implied that the results (which are normally ratified) may not be by the student council. In the open letter, Bouchard-Saunders stated that ‘this suggestion that the results of a vote could be effectively thrown out was backed up with zero supporting arguments, and felt simply like a statement to reassure some voters that the result was potentially invalid. ‘It is appalling that the Chair of a democratic and impartial com-
mittee would attempt to suggest the results obtained were potentially invalid with no justification.’ The full results of the Annual Member’s Meeting are still to be published by the Student’s Union. The Students' Union responded: 'Thanks to everyone who came to our recent Annual Member’s Meeting. 'We take our democratic processes very seriously and these were strictly followed by the elected students of the Democratic Standards Committee and elected Student Council Chair. 'We are obviously concerned about the feedback that we’ve received from some students who attended the meeting. 'Everyone who has contacted us directly has been given the opportunity to meet with our democracy team – we’re more than happy to discuss any issues students wish to raise, as well as suggestions for the future. 'I am also speaking to key staff members and our Democratic Standards Committee to look at how we can improve the experience at future democratic events.” Adam Michael, Union Affairs Officer
The AMM: Bristol SU
University of Bristol students raise funds for Turkey and Syria Will Standring News Reporter
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niversity of Bristol’s Turkish Society has announced several days of fundraising for the victims of Monday’s earthquake. The initial earthquake, magnitude 7.8, hit Southern Turkey at 4:17 am local time on Monday and was followed by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock at 1:25 in the afternoon. Neighbouring nations Israel, Jordan and Lebanon all felt the shocks, but it was Syria and Turkey where the quakes have done the most damage. The combined Syrian and Turkish death toll has passed 22,750 and is rising as rescue efforts continue, often in sub-zero conditions. TurkSoc told Epigram: ‘As Turkish society this disaster hits home for us, so we want to do whatever we can to help our brothers and sisters back in our home country. It is likely this is going to be a long-term situation so as many proceeds possible is important, and urgently needed.
'Proceeds can make a big difference for affected families who have nothing right now, have lost their homes or require search and rescue efforts to rescue members of the community. Any support and effort to support the Turkey-Syria earthquake is appreciated and every little bit of it matters.' UoB’s Turkish society’s efforts begin on Saturday when they will be bucketing in Cabot Circus. Stationed in front of the Primark, the TurkSoc volunteers will be accepting donations (cash and card) and spreading awareness.
In a post on their Instagram story, they said they ‘appreciate everything’, be that emotional or financial support. Students looking to volunteer can join the TurkSoc WhatsApp chat using the following link: https://tr.ee/GehT4La5hJ On Monday, TurkSoc will be hosting a baking event in the Multifaith Chaplaincy (Woodland Road) from 6-9 pm. Entry to the event costs £3, which covers the cost of ingredients with any excess funds being donated to charity. Tickets can be purchased via the Society app.
Volunteers outside Senate: Ruby Kingsley