Violence and Carnage! Not in Albufeira, in Vanbrugh!
Everybody has been quick to condemn the attack that marred the Woodstock event on Saturday. Rightly so, too, nobody should be at risk of a beating at the hands of drunken thugs as they cross campus on their way home, or whether they are returning to their hotel after enjoying watching an England match abroad.
People, understandably, do not feel safe. Student-on student attacks are increasing, a very worrying trend.
However, it still seems to me that something positive can be taken from this incident. Doorsafe, students working to protect other students at campus events, responded with commendable speed and professionalism in reaction to the incident. Having reprimanded two of the three mindless thugs at the scene, they made chase and caught the third as he attempted an escape towards town. They then securely held them until the police arrived at the scene some twenty minutes later. The individuals have been charged to appear at York Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.
Why is this positive? It shows that the University policy towards abuse is not only words, but action as well. By coming down hard upon the minority of individuals who are determined to threaten and abuse others, they are sending out a clear message that people cannot ignore. Due to the violence witnessed on Saturday night, the places of these hooligans at the University are at stake.
A slap on the wrist and a verbal warning is one thing, but to be forced to pack your bags and go home to tell your parents why you are no longer a student at York is quite another. The University and Doorsafe are taking positive and practical action to make the campus a safer environment for all members of the University community, and they should be commended for it.
Drunken thugs have no place here at York. Finally a clear and sobering message is being sent out, a message which nobody can ignore.
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