EST. 1936
Redbrick Friday 7th October 2011 | Volume 76 | Issue 1394 | redbrickpaper.co.uk
Rihanna and raunchiness in the music industry See Comment and Features, p.7
Vice-President suspended from Guild and University James Brilliant News Editor
court, with his hearing instead conducted via video link in order to minimise the risk of aggravating the protest. In the days following his arrest and subsequent incarceration, a wide debate amongst students regarding the right to protest and free speech erupted, with Bauer’s later release seen as a symbolic victory amongst those who have accused the criminal justice system of being disproportionately harsh. On Sunday the 25th of September an open letter signed by a number of prominent academics and public figures – including former MP Clare Short and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen – appeared on the Guardian’s website calling for Bauer’s release and “the right to hang our banners in peaceful protest whenever and wherever we choose.” When Bauer subsequently returned to the Guild the next morning to resume his sabbatical officer duties, he was handed a letter informing him of his immediate suspension by Guild President Mark Harrop. Under the terms of his suspension Bauer is suspended from using theP8Guild of Students premises, whilst his official VPE blog has been removed from the Guild of Students website; he will however continue to be remunerated. Guild of Students President Mark Harrop said: “The Guild is a legal organisation and we can’t comment on an on-going investigation or a police matter. As hard as it is we can’t comment on his granting of bail or an internal Guild investigation. The will be an investigating officer…but in line with employment law, all investigations are done without prejudice.” An online petition calling for his reinstatement had by that Wednesday evening gained over 400 signatures.
The Guild of Students has suspended Edward Bauer in his role as a Sabbatical Officer, followed by his suspension as a student from the University of Birmingham. Bauer had been arrested on Friday 16th September with two other students after scaling a bridge linking the International Convention Centre and Hyatt Hotel on Broad Street before unfurling a banner reading “Traitors Not Welcome – Hate Clegg Love NCAFC (National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts)”. As a result of the banner debris reportedly fell onto the road below endangering road users and pedestrians. The men, charged with causing danger to road traffic users, were subsequently held in custody that weekend with all three pleading not guilty to the charges the following Monday. Whilst the other two men were bailed on the condition they did not enter Birmingham city centre until their trial, Bauer was remanded in custody. Bauer was later released on bail on September 26th, ten days after his arrest. Outside Birmingham Magistrates Court, where his bail hearing was taking place, approximately eighty of Bauer’s supporters gathered to peacefully protest his innocence, including the University and College Union, Birmingham against the Cuts, Birmingham Trades Council and Dudley Green Party. The protestors at one point attempted to enter the main court building via the front entrance, prompting court security and half a dozen uniformed police officers to seal the entrance of the court and usher the protestors away the front steps, although the mood remained calm and co-operative. It did later emerge that Bauer himself had not been present at Continued on page 4. UPDATED GUILD STATEMENT ON PAGE 4
Bauer's autumn term to date Arrested at protest for causing danger to road users Suspended from Guild Suspended as student from the University of Birmingham Edd Bauer during his campaign for VPE
Glen Moutrie