The Gaudie’s freedom to publish may be at risk as the Students’ Union doubles down on a policy banning editors from publishing articles critical of the organisation.
Our student newspaper could be prevented from publishing news, satire or opine pieces that bring Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA), a registered charity, into disrepute.
Despite anti-media wording identified in a new policy, AUSA officials insist that it allows for legitimate criticism, with Student Council rejecting an amendment request.
In April, members of the Student Council approved an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policy which will replace the current Byelaw 15. Proposed by Student President Christina Schmid, the new EDI policy was said to promote a culture of mutual respect.
However, the new policy poses a threat to media freedom by technically preventing editors from publishing articles which may bring the Students’ Union into disrepute.
While The Gaudie exercises autonomy as a designated ‘Student Group’ under AUSA rather than a society or club, it relies on the union for spaces and administrative support.
The ‘Good Conduct Policy’ under the new EDI policy of the Students’ Union says to “avoid engaging in any activity or behaviour likely to bring the Students’ Union into disrepute.”
“It is the responsibility of the Editor of any publication to ensure that all articles or publicity meets the Good Conduct Policy,” the EDI policy reads.
Previously, only students were subject to the rule. Now, editors of publications are made directly responsible for any language critical of the union in published articles.
The rule sets a chilling precedent for The Gaudie, which frequently publishes articles about Students’ Union issues, with fears that AUSA officers or staff could now choose to sanction the newspaper for criticising them.
Recent articles include news reports on student elections, problems with a new banking system for clubs and societies, and an Opine piece criticising a welcome fair.
Concerned for The Gaudie’s independence, 20 members of our newspaper signed an amendment to raise concerns at a Student Council meeting and edit the EDI policy.
Our contributors asserted that the “the newly passed EDI policy is inconsistent with student media rights to operate autonomously and freely debate the effectiveness of AUSA.”
The amendment request submitted by The Gaudie added, “Student Groups should be supported to freely publish articles about AUSA without interference or repercussions from AUSA.”
The Gaudie’s full amendment request to protect student media can be found here.
In May, Student Council members voted to strike down the amendment to protect student media; with four votes in favour, seven votes against, and others abstaining.
Those who spoke against The Gaudie’s amendment included Student President Christina Schmid, Vice President for Communities Jonathon Dorrat, and Vice President for Activities Hannah Cowie.
They argued that since The Gaudie is affiliated as a Student Group, the Students’ Union are ultimately liable for its content.
The elected leaders also claimed the policy did not threaten media freedom, urging Student Council members to vote against the amendment.
Replying for comment, Student President Christina Schmid defended the EDI policy in a statement. She wrote:
“The policy is not intended to prevent fair criticism, factual reporting or discussion of issues affecting students.
“The Student Group byelaw governing The Gaudie already recognises its editorial independence and freedom as a student publication. Student media plays an important role within university life, including holding the Students’ Union to account.
“The wording regarding bringing the Union into disrepute relates to conduct and behaviour expectations that apply across affiliated groups and activities, aligning with similar principles that exist within the University’s own codes and policies, intended to support a respectful and inclusive culture across the student community.”
It is feared that AUSA could now choose to sanction student media or its contributors for material critical of the Students’ Union. The policy also applies to Debater, another Student Group, and other student media who choose to affiliate in the future.
The Gaudie, Scotland’s oldest independent student newspaper, will continue to act autonomously, publishing critical articles in line with Independent Press Standards Organisation guidelines.