Mayor snubs student fund
York University and York City Council have clashed over the fate of a memorial fund, set up to aid disadvantaged York students. The row broke out after the fund failed to win the backing of the Lord Mayor.
The memorial fund was created to honour controversial history lecturer Rod Hill, who was plagued with allegations over his private life up until his death in September. The fund will provide much needed financial relief for impoverished students studying at York.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Charles Hall told nouse that his decision not to back the fund was a “moral stance” against the scourge of drug abuse. He said he wanted to send out a clear message to York, that drug abusers were not welcome in the city. Hall confessed, however, that he would endorse the fund in three months, once the rumours about Rod Hill’s private life had “died away”.
Close friends of Hill have expressed “deep regret” at the mayor’s decision. Head of the History Department, Mark Ormrod, described the memorial fund as a fitting tribute to a “remarkable man” despite being dogged by allegations about his personal life. “Rod Hill’s problems were private ones and in no way affected the valuable contribution he made to students and the community. The mayor should be taking a lead, not trying to sabotage this fund, which will after all benefiit students” he added.
Bob Towner, a long-term friend and collegue of Rod, also expressed his own disappointment at the Mayor’s position. He called on those who knew Rod, to ensure his legacy was not forgotten. "We know there are people in York who, despite the difficulties Rod faced, recognised the outstanding contribution that he made to the city of York.
"The Lord Mayor's position is a disappointment but I can understand it, in that he is a figurehead in the city and may wish to feel that the recent controversy makes it difficult for him to be a signatory."
The University is standing by its own decision to fully back the fund. “It is a worthwhile and fitting venture for a man who did so much for the community.”
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