Wednesday 8th October 2025
Blog Page 753

A Band With Purpose and Integrity

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I trek to Cowley for the first time in daylight, excited to see my favourite band for the sixth time. But this time would be different, offering the opportunity of an interview.

No doubt, over the years the Geordie five-piece Little Comets have had it hard, having experienced changing line-ups, being dropped by labels, and, eventually, becoming totally self-sufficient. But after I sit down to interview Rob Coles (lead singer/guitarist) he puts a positive spin on this. As they’ve never had any huge success, they really get to know the people who regularly attend their gigs. The boys genuinely appreciate the support.

The gig begins with an electric rendition of their newest track ‘The Punk is in the Detail’. Released alongside ‘M62’, it demonstrates the band’s practice of putting tracks out in pairs, rather than feel the pressure to rush through enough for an album: one of the many perks of independence. The song, condensed from an original eight verses in length, connects examples from Eastern European immigrants, to the Grenfell Tower victims, and with the chorus line “We are here / Deal with it”, those disempowered individuals become an empowered group.

This is something Rob tells me as we chat:

“The chorus of ‘The Punk is in the Detail’ can be representative of anybody. It was a good one to write. I felt lighter when I’d finished writing it.”

His catharsis manifests onstage. The track’s solemn lyrics initially contrast its upbeat soundscape, engineered by Rob’s brother, guitarist Mickey, which intensifies throughout the performance. By the time we reach the chorus line’s final chants it feels anthemic and universally empowering.

This energy is matched by ‘À Bientôt’ off 2017’s Worhead. It is a track which reflects on ignorant attitudes towards the refugee crisis, drawing on the tragic photo of Alan Kurdi washed ashore on a Turkish beach. Screeching feedback electrifies the room and enforces the vitality which drives the song, as well as the desperation of those it defends.

Matt Hall, bassist and long term member of Little Comets

An unapologetic pride of being oneself resonates with me after chatting to Rob about the particular feelings created by playing in Oxford. Across their oeuvre, Little Comets have many tracks which communicate frustration at societal elitism, buttressed by the culture bred and fostered by institutions like Oxbridge. He insists that “people are people” and that it barely occurs to him when playing to an Oxford crowd. However, it does make him reflect on how studying Land Economy at Cambridge shaped his character:

“It’s a magical place, but you do really feel the weight of the history. At Cambridge, I went backwards as a person.  I lost confidence by going there because there were so many confident people and I went into my shell a bit. Many of those students have an enhanced sense of self and confidence from it and, because the next stage they go onto is often as set up in their favour, [they] just kind of go further and further into the bubble.”

Rob speaks of his frustration at the disparity that institutions like Oxbridge can perpetuate, in tracks like 2012’s ‘A Little Opus’.  When I remark that there probably weren’t many other Geordies at Cambridge, he touches on David Lammy’s report on state school admissions statistics. He compares his experience as the only pupil from his school to go to Cambridge that year to that of grammar school students who often matriculated with many friends from home.

‘A Little Opus’ always proves popular, but this time my ears prick up after our chat about the Oxbridge bubble. Rob sings “I’d rather starve than become a member of your old boys’ club / Sooner depart than see the ascension of the Bullingdon”. While singing along I wonder how conscious other fans are of the lyrics’ contextual significance. I half-expect a slight undercurrent of self-awareness from students but don’t detect any atmospheric change.

After pondering the need for improving access to Oxbridge, Rob thoughtfully relates it back to his role in the band. Reflecting on the all-male line-up of Little Comets and their support acts he says:

“I think as tours go forward we need more diversity. I had an idea to have people speaking at gigs between bands, like poets to come and read. I think going forward that would be a good one because you never see it and people would really appreciate it.”

Little Comets’ lyrics accentuate this conscious desire for increased artistic and social inclusivity. I notice a subtle shift in the lyrics of 2011 release ‘Joanna’ from “girls with three syllable names” to “people”, once again reflecting a self-managed and self-produced band’s freedom to play with their own material. Artistic independence means there is no reason why Rob shouldn’t be able to achieve these other ambitions.

But as a busy family man, greater diversity has an extra bonus according to Rob; “I think I’d really appreciate it as well because I don’t really go out much!” As a father to five-year-old William and sixteen-month-old Martha, he has often spoken of fatherhood’s influence on his daily routine, lyrical approach, and outlook on life. He tells me this is intensified by having Martha:

“Having a daughter is very different to having a son. The way she will experience the world will be very different to William. She won’t have the same privileges that he has, and he needs to understand that as well.”

This conversation makes the performance of their 2015 song ‘My Boy William’ even more striking. A song that reflects Rob’s hopes for his son’s future, it’s the first time I’ve heard it without omitting the heart-warming recording of William playing with Mickey’s son George. I thought this intimate insight wouldn’t have the same effect played live as it does on the album version; blaring this sweet snapshot into family life into a room full of people is a risk. Yet it remains tender and profound, particularly preceded by Rob describing wanting to protect his son’s innocence; “I cut all the pages from a magazine / So my boy stays true enough to dream”.

Our conversation ends with me asking Rob if there’s anything he would change if he could go back ten years to the birth of Little Comets. His answer is a firm no:

“I wouldn’t be here now and I wouldn’t have William or Martha. When we started we thought we wanted the touring and the success, but that’s just not what it’s about for me. If Little Comets finished tomorrow, it would be saddening but my priority is in the house.”

The Little Comets are a band with purpose and integrity. Their performance was impeccable, and after chatting to Rob I realise they don’t just seem, but are, refreshingly grounded. They genuinely just want to write and play music.

 

The simplification of our politics is a modern scourge

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“In the battle between rigid officials and Alfie’s parents…I know where my heart lies.” So read the text under the Daily Mail’s masthead last Thursday, reflecting on the tragic story of Alfie Evans, who passed away on Saturday: a terminally-ill young child for whom judges ruled that it was in his best interest to withdraw all but palliative treatment.

Wherever one stands on the ethics of this case, the way in which popular reaction has manifested is most revealing of our times. All over Twitter: accusations against doctors and nurses of conspiracy to murder; a group of protesters storming the entrance to a children’s hospital, only to be held back by a forceful police line.

Let us take step back for a moment. Responsible and mature adults accusing highly dedicated medical professionals, whose ultimate personal calling is to preserve and protect life, of killing. Do we really think this is the case? A mob causing violent disturbance outside a children’s hospital – decent people surely know this is nothing but despicable and harmful.

In truth, we should be greatly alarmed. Issues on which we as citizens are exercised are increasingly defined by a sense of some crusading battle between two polar – and totally exclusive – opposites. On so many issues is the supposed virtuous path juxtaposed with an irreconcilable foe. Take the ‘rigid officials’ involved here, in a story of unimaginable pain for those involved, and one so medically and ethically complex it could never be distilled into this simple dichotomy. Why do we stand for this damaging simplification?

Whilst the sadness of Alfie’s story is incomparable, features of the public reaction we’ve witnessed this week are found elsewhere. It extends into our politics. Just look at the most pressing international issue of recent months: what to do about Russia and its effective client-state, Syria. Anyone suggesting a pause to full military action was a ‘traitor’, executing some kind of betrayal. Those not on the war-path were conspiring with the ‘enemy’. And that’s all before considering the perennial Brexit headache. From the beginning of this saga, how many times have you of course heard ‘Leavers’ dismissed as some kind of barbarous ‘illegitimates’? I happen to be both in favour of military strikes and Britain’s membership of the EU, but our impulse to the extremes in all these debates is plain wrong.

I’d suggest that such simplification supplies a sense of comfort. It’s easier to be outraged than to look an avowed opponent in the eye and calmly put forward your case. Indeed, perhaps plain outrage should be treated as a form of apathy. Public opinion is not as powerful: raw outrage enables officials to skirt real scrutiny, and issues escape proper analytical debate. However much I disagree with their campaign, supporters of parents’ absolute rights over the best interests of their children should make their case — sensitively, compassionately, but not from the suspicion-filled starting point that those on the other side are somehow conspiring against them, or actively seek to do bad.

They might be much more effective. Indeed, in this first week of term here in Oxford, can our own campaigners do the same? The success of ‘On Your Doorstep’ so far this year is its tenacity, not in blanket shaming the Council like others, but in focusing predominately on specifically archaic legislation and particular Council protocols for the homeless. This is far more challenging for those actually responsible for policy. On the issue of UCU strike action, how many students condemned as ‘scabs’ by their peers here and across UK universities will realistically and sincerely be persuaded to promote student-staff solidarity?

Ultimately, this might come back to be the overpowering individualism of our times. A predominate focus on rights, whilst crucial, as opposed to the duties to the community of which we are a part is characterising our protest. We expect, we demand, and we get. But actually, we won’t. In an age where freedom of expression is the perhaps the hottest topic of all, a renewed focus should be given to raising the quality and direction of the speech we produce. This should be our job, and it’s the best step to ensure progress on the issues we care about.

Tributes paid to ‘talented’ St Anne’s student

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Tributes have been paid to a St Anne’s third-year student who passed away at the end of first week.

Joel Lewis joined Oxford in 2015 to study Computer Science. During his time at the University, he found success in both academic and non-academic fields. He competed for the University’s taekwondo team and won two competitions against Cambridge. He had also spent time working at an internship and had secured a second for this summer.

The principal of St Anne’s, Helen King, paid tribute to Lewis. She said: “We are devastated by Joel’s sudden and tragic death. He was a valued and cared for member of the College who is sorely missed.

“Our sympathy and thoughts are with his family and friends. I am proud of the way the whole College community is coming together to support one another as we grieve the loss of this talented young life.

“Trained College and University staff are on site to assist and a room has been dedicated as a 24 hour available space for anyone who wants to talk or just silently reflect at this sad time.”

The Computer Science department have also spoken about their sadness at the news. Head of Department Mike Wooldridge said: “I am shocked and very saddened by this tragic death, and on behalf of the Department of Computer Science I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Joel’s family and friends. I urge anyone who is struggling to come to terms with this tragic death to seek the support that is on offer.”

The college said: “A fuller tribute to Joel and arrangements to remember his life will take place in the coming weeks with details being made available in due course.”

If any readers wish to pay tribute to Joel Lewis, please get in touch via [email protected].

 

Wadham trials smoking restriction in Trinity

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Wadham will trial a new smoking policy for Trinity Term that limits the act to areas “immediately” around eight smoking bins.

The college informed students of the new policy via an email on 24 April.

According to the email, Wadham “conducted a consultation last term on its smoking policy.”

“As a result, Governing Body has decided that for a trial period lasting for all of Trinity Term, smoking on the main College site will be restricted to the immediate vicinity of the existing smoking bins.”

A map attached to the email marks the locations of the smoking bins, most of which are skirting the edge of campus.

The email continues: “The College will be closely monitoring adherence to the new guidelines, and will review the smoking policy at the end of the term.

“It is essential that these new guidelines are fully respected. If they are not, the College will consider moving to a total smoking ban.”

The email also warned students that there is no smoking bin outside the MCR, “where many smokers currently choose to congregate.”

Wadham joins St Hugh’s college in trialling a smoking ban in Trinity, while seven colleges including St Edmund Hall and Mansfield have blanket bans on smoking.

St Hugh’s decision to trail a ban was criticised by some students as “ridiculous” and “parental.”

When Exeter announced a ban that was later withdrawn, Exeter JCR Disabilities Rep Grace Tully told Cherwell: “Habitual smokers are aware of the drawbacks and danger of the habit, but our community gains nothing from physically and socially ostracizing those of us who do still smoke.”

Emily Patterson wrote in a 2017 comment article for Cherwell that banning smoking “simply means that [smokers] do not do it in a way that makes an impact on other peoples’ lives and health.

“While colleges are not public spaces, we should remember that they are home to many people, and having an area filling with toxic fumes will not make everybody feel at home there.”

 

New world, Old media: the aesthetic revival burns bright in Oxford

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I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but bookshops look incredible these days. Walking off of Broad Street into Blackwell’s, their Art & Poster Shop, or Waterstones, you can’t help but notice the immaculate array of freshly designed book jackets stacked to show the full face of their covers. For all their well-worn, dog-eared, yellow-paged charm, books from times gone by do not look this nice. While cheaper printing technologies and better graphic design services may be partly responsible, they are not the only reason for the change. What’s really driving the shift? Blame Netflix.

There was a time when we needed physical books, magazines, or vinyl for information or entertainment. If you wanted to watch the latest in news or film, you had to physically go to a cinema. But the advent of streaming services, internet piracy, and smartphones has broken old media’s hold on the market for entertainment. More or less anything you want –be it film, TV, music, or literature – is easily and cheaply accessible online. Subsequently the low-cost, mass entertainment business model is struggling. If you want to read annoyingly small print and be bombarded by ads you don’t need to go to the newsagents and pay £5 for the privilege: it’s free on your phone.

Unable to compete for speed, convenience or price, some producers of old media are desperately trying to reinvent themselves, a phoenix from the ashes left by Netflix, Spotify, and Pirate Bay. Ruth Jamieson, author of Print is Dead. Long Live Print. – a portfolio of the world’s best independent magazines, highlights that their creators “recognize that the same characteristics that make digital media a foe can make it a friend, too. In delivering ever faster, ever cheaper, ever more disposable content, digital has created a demand for something slower and of higher value, something that stands the test of time”. To satiate this demand, creators are turning the inescapable weaknesses of their product into their biggest selling points: “They revel in the physicality of the magazine. They play with format. They mix paper stocks… They lovingly craft issues that are beautiful, collectable and timeless objects.”

Nowhere may this be more evident than in Victory Journal. Awarded Magazine of the Year by Creative Review, Victory shines a light on the culture of sport with jaw-dropping portrait and action photography. The combination of heavy, matte paper and granular, full-page photography is absolutely perfect for portraying the grit, sweat and glory of its subject matter. Printed in larger-than-A4 format, its mouthwateringly gorgeous (and eye-wateringly expensive). For those who don’t fancy shelling out for their own copy, Society Cafe on St. Michael’s has three.

The whole cafe is well worth discovering for anyone interested in magazines, with serious titles like Holiday and The Gentlewoman and Ruth Jamieson’s aforementioned book on the subject. These mags are right at home in space designed to give a saturated experience, complete with Sydney-esque vibes and coffee on hand. It’s no coincidence that a space so deliberately designed to be enjoyed by customers embraces niche magazine culture; the emergence of café culture in the UK represents a similar indulgence in physicality, offering customers the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and caffeine simultaneously.

For similar motivations to the high quality print producers, Hollywood studios will continue to make films which far exceed the quality that can be delivered by our laptops. Exactly what lets Netflix slide so conveniently into our lives – the accessibility, the portability and the pause-ability – is the antithesis of a big-screen experience. But, watching poor quality screens with even poorer audio, alongside a dozen other open tabs and distractions of life will never deliver the same impact. It’s the event of the cinema trip, arguably an inconvenience in the streaming age, that makes it exciting. It’s precisely the fact you can’t pause for a phone call or snack break that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the movie. It commands focus. And when that focus is rewarded with 40 feet and 100 decibels of movie magic, the internet can’t compete for the experience. 

It’s in this spirit that the Phoenix Picturehouse in Jericho screened Wes Anderson’s filmography every Monday night in the run up to the release of his new film, Isle of Dogs. What struck me when I went to see The Royal Tannenbaums was the atmosphere created by the packed auditorium sharing this tragicomic tour de force of acting and writing. There’s a buzz about the big screen that can’t be replicated at home. It’s not uncommon now for cinemas to show films readily available online, long after they first appeared on screen. Clearly then, the price of admission for such films must represent the value we have for the cinema spectacle itself over the consumption of the movie at home. 

What to do about the wealth of quality entertainment experiences? Enjoy it. Next time you’re in a book store, immerse yourself a bit in the creative excellence of the publishing house, not just the published. Hit up the lower shelves of the magazine section in WH Smith’s, or Blackwell’s Art & Poster Shop, peruse their collections of high spec magazines. Revel in the enormous screen and soundtrack next time you head to the cinema. If producers are going to the effort, we may as well appreciate it for all its worth.

It may be a bit more expensive and a bit harder to access but the more we rely on lower quality of transmission for our entertainment the more we will value the rare opportunity to indulge in the immersive experience of entertainment. A certain niche of producers and publishers are already trying to secure the future of old media by pushing the quality of consumption, as well as the quality of content, past what the internet could ever deliver. Hence the beautiful book shops on Broad Street. Hence the collection of indie mags in Society Cafe. Hence cult classics at the The Phoenix Picturehouse.

Its certain that the rise of services like Netflix, Spotify, and illegal pirating sites have put a great deal of pressure on traditional producers and distributors to stay profitable. That has led some to embrace the practical weaknesses of their medium and try and turn them into a physical strength. It remains to be seen if some of the traditional powerhouses of the entertainment business will remain competitive with the internet’s streaming giants, but if the future of old media seems murky, it will, at least, look fantastic.

Plumbing issues cause cancellation of O2 Academy gig

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A gig at Oxford’s O2 Academy was called off last week after plumbing issues.

After a 55-minute delay from their scheduled start time on Thursday night, rock band Don Broco told their audience: “We’re not allowed to play because there’s a very good health and safety risk because apparently a lot of you are currently standing in human faeces.”

The band later tweeted: “Gutted the venue wouldn’t let us play tonight. Circumstances were out of our control. We will reschedule. Thank you for understanding. Brb.”

The O2 Academy said: “Unfortunately, we had a spanner in the works here tonight and our @DONBROCO show has been postponed, but it will be rescheduled so please keep hold of your tickets.

“We’re so very sorry, but we’ll be in touch with all ticket holders directly first thing.”

Several fans complained about the late cancellation via social media.

Fans also denied the O2 Academy’s claim that they had been in touch with ticket holders first thing, while another Twitter user said that he had been told the show would not be rescheduled.

The timing of the news is likely to cause some concern for Oxford students, ahead of Monday night’s event at the venue.

Tickets for the ‘This Is May Day 2018’ event, which runs from 11pm to 6am, sold out within minutes, despite costing up to £57.50 (including booking fee).

They have been in high demand ever since on ticket transfer site ‘Oxtickets’, with many students buying May Day tickets for both the O2 Academy and The Bullingdon’s events.

Life Divided: May Day or Nay Day?

May day: Daanial Issaq Chaudhry

As a Fresher, never before have I experienced so much anticipation and excitement surrounding May Day. Until my arrival in Oxford, May Day appeared to be no more than an extra bank holiday, another day of precious escape from school. But beyond this it had little to no significance in my social calendar.

My arrival at Oxford changed this all. Before I knew it, deliberations had begun as to what club night to go to on May Day. Was a venture to Cowley warranted for the May Day Party at the Bully? Or should we brave Disco Stus vs Big Poppa at Emporium? The latter mostly because tickets at the Bully had sold out by the time we realised May Day was a thing. One of my friends decided it was to be neither: “I’d much rather stay in”.

She along with those readers in favour of Nay Day have missed the point. May Day as a celebration, arbitrary thought it may be, is an opportunity to unite us in a collective aim: to have a good night out. This is something that the regularity of Bridge Thursday or Fuzzys on a Wednesday fails to do. The frequency of these club nights means the likelihood of FOMO is diminished as you know you can just go next week. May Day however comes just once a year, and as such everyone is united in a common goal.

The ability of May Day to unify us is demonstrated by the fact that on Sunday night, in the library, as my friends and I worked into the early hours of the morning, we all listened through our own headphones to the same Not Nineteen Forever songs. Yes, both the Bully and Emporium were a no, and for the first time since arriving at Oxford, we had willingly decided to go to Fever. Although we were each writing (waffling) our own essays, we were united through the music of the night to come.

Beyond the club nights, waking up for six in the morning is something not many of us (unless you row) can say we’ve done whilst at Oxford. But on May Day, the culmination of students on Magdalen Bridge unites not only us, but also town and gown. May Day appears a true opportunity for the city to come together in celebration. It may appear anachronistic in the modern age – a product of a bygone era – but it is these oddities that make Oxford so special, and it is for that very reason we should celebrate them.

Nay Day: Alex Jacobs

It would be a surprise if you’d come back to Oxford and not already heard people talking about their plans for one of the most famous celebrations in the town. As well as being a city-wide tradition, May Day is possibly the biggest club night of Trinity term (which for Oxford isn’t exactly much of an accolade even if there weren’t any exams going on). Given the fact that so many of us bemoan Oxford’s lack of decent nightlife on a regular basis, it’s somewhat surprising that this event manages to gather such a following, with the biggest club tickets selling out more quickly than some of the college balls this year.

Perhaps it’s because May Day embraces the hedonistic side of Oxford, the side that’s so physically exhausted and emotionally burnt out from the strenuousness of term that the closest you can get to having a good time is pinging off your nut in the middle of a heaving crowd at the Bully. Advocates for the yearly celebration may argue that it’s all in the name of good fun, especially for the outgoing year group, and May Day is a traditional event aimed to bring the citizens of Oxford together. I can see the appeal of a last gasp at freedom for finalists, acutely aware that their time at Oxford is drawing ever closer to ending.

But for me, ‘traditional’ does not necessarily equal ‘good’ or even ‘worthwhile’. After five terms at Oxford, during term time I barely have the stamina for your average night out until three or four in the morning, never mind ten straight hours of Mayday partying (god forbid there’s an after party going on). It’s been a while since I’ve seen the clock say 6am, and Magdalen choir are not enough of a reason to persuade me to give up the few precious hours of sleep I can get.

Oxbridge going private would say goodbye to diversity

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I can see why privatisation is attractive to a university; maintaining high quality research, education, and indeed beautiful buildings is not cheap. Private American universities are managing more easily that the British: Harvard is around ten times wealthier than Oxford. Along with a number of other prestigious private universities in America, Harvard offers needs-blind admissions testing, and claims to never turn away a student because they can’t pay the fees. Those theorising that Oxbridge might go private have attempted to reassure by claiming that ‘perhaps just one third might pay the actual sticker price’.

Ostensibly, it sounds like it could be beneficial – Oxford would be able to offer funding to high-level applicants and sustain itself on its own values. But being ‘private’ is about more than just money though – it is a beacon of elitism. We may end up back at square one when it comes to achieving a diverse student body, one that allows the best students to attend. Just because a student could receive bursaries to allow them to attend Oxford for free, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other concerns. The private system may deter students from backgrounds who fear the elitism associated with private schooling and the imposter syndrome that follows. Equally, it’d be hard to tell what impact means-tested fees would have on the dynamic of student bodies. A student paying less may not feel as comfortable asking for as much as those who pay more. Who knows what the impact would be on accessibility and diversity? After privatisation, would Oxford still have the incentive to spend as much money and effort on reaching out to poorer students in society? If they really intended to pursue a means tested route, in order to satisfy bursary costs, the demographic Oxford would actually need to attract would be richer students who can actually afford the fees. Furthermore, being less regulated will not be conducive to holding universities accountable for how they treatment working class, BAME, LGBTQ+, or disabled students.

It is not even just those from the poorest, or the most underrepresented backgrounds who would be significantly affected. Currently, with student maintenance loans, students from lower income backgrounds can be entitled to greater loans, but tuition fees are the same for all students – albeit, mostly paid through student loans. The students, ourselves, are the ones responsible for paying back the student loans once we graduate. If you are from a family who earn a sufficient amount to qualify into the ‘third’ paying full private fees but who aren’t at the top level of wealth, then you may also be penalized. There is a big difference between your family helping to support you financially for maintenance and having to fork out thousands of pounds (or take out a massive private loan) to pay for your tuition – as is generally done in America. I, as an adult, believe that it is my responsibility to pay for my tuition to attend university. As such, many students would be forced to take out large private loans if they want to pursue their intended line of study, or choose to follow a more secure career path because they actually can’t afford to risk the large cost of a less vocational degree (RIP the arts).

Oxbridge would regress to the old stereotypes that people have worked so hard to start tackling, namely, that they are universities only for the wealthy and privileged. If you can’t guarantee a job leaving university, it is a massive risk to then be faced with the option of having even greater debts from private loans than those we gain from our student loans currently. In my case, I worry for the subjects in industries where you are less likely to earn a high salary. As a music student, I am considering options in careers such as academia and performance but despite my passions for them, it would be unlikely for me to earn a substantial enough amount to ever be able to pay back large private loans. Ultimately, universities like Yale and Harvard may have a good reputation for inclusivity in admissions, but it is no secret that the offspring of wealthy alumni and donors are cherry-picked and favoured in order to keep the steady flow of funding.

According to the National Student Money Survey 2017, 84% students worry about making ends meet and 50% actively find that worrying about finances has an impact on their mental health. Ultimately, the decision for privatization would aggravate current concerns – some students would end up having to struggle to pay more or forfeit a university experience. Perhaps the disparity of wealth would create even greater polarisation between students, dividing them into a binary of those who benefit from the means-tested tuition rates and those who are there to fulfill the vast cost of private fees. Although perhaps the worst aspect is not knowing what the full effects would be and how significantly damaged the aim of creating opportunity for all in higher level education would be. Ideological as it sounds, if we want to be able to maintain flourishing institutions of education, we need to be able to build a university environment at Oxford where the most talented students are able to study without the uncertainty of the financial burden that may result.

Somerville’s ‘non-binary’ signs draw criticism

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Somerville college have responded to JCR demands for gender neutral and non-binary signage on a number of college toilets by attaching new gendered signs to the doors.

The signs show both the traditional, binary male/female symbols and make no reference to people who identify as non-binary or outside of the gender spectrum.

They have been attached to the doors of the college bar toilets and two bathrooms of the Vaughan first-year accommodation block.

The new signs are attached to toilet doors with velcro. The original signs remain underneath.

Students have already taken to turning the signs upside down.

Somerville JCR LGBTQ officer Eilidh Wilson, stated that: “The JCR’s request was specific for a reason. There is no point in initiatives with a premise of trans inclusivity that don’t actually have a positive impact for trans students.”

Wilson received support and information from Oxford’s LGBTQ society, and has since called upon Baroness Janet Royall, the college principal, and Andrew Palmer, college treasurer, to address the issue.

College officials are yet to respond to Wilson’s complaints.

Royall has previously stated her enthusiastic support for the change.

Wilson cited the Stonewall Organization’s “Trans Inclusive Policies and Benefits”, a pamphlet on trans policies, to demonstrate how she considered the signs inadequate.

The pamphlet states: “It’s worth noting that utilising appropriate signage is incredibly important – having ‘Toilets’ on the door is not enough, it needs to explicitly say ‘Gender Neutral’ or something along those lines.”

The motion to replace the signs was overwhelmingly supported by the JCR last term, with 83 votes for and 16 against with eight abstentions.

The motion previously had failed by one vote in Michaelmas 2017 after concerns were raised for the well-being and safety of cisgendered women along with practicalities of changing the signs, leading to national coverage.

Rainbow Entz officer, Joe Cresswell, called the signs “an audacious attempt to brush the issue under the mat.”

Cresswell told Cherwell: “Considering the overblown, and misrepresented, national coverage of Somerville’s overdrawn struggle to pass gender neutral toilets, you would think that the responsible parties in college might have actually read the motion being submitted.

“Instead, it is blindingly obvious that somewhere along the lines there has been a miscomprehension of what gender neutral actually means and someone has simply cobbled together some children’s shoe fastening material, and some remarkably gendered sheets of plastic, to pacify the ‘screeching’ minorities.”

Oxfess and Oxlove back online

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Oxfess and Oxlove have returned online, after the administrators of the pages took them down following abusive comments.

Last week, Cherwell revealed that the popular anonymous submission pages – which are administered by the same team – were taken offline after some “particularly nasty” abuse was aimed at the admins.

However, the pages have now reappeared and are posting as normal. Cherwell contacted one of the admins of the page who declined to comment.

Oxlove, which was created last year following the success of Cambridge-based page Crushbridge, allowed students to anonymously submit posts declaring their love for other students.

A few weeks after Oxlove’s inception, the admins created Oxfess, which received widespread attention and praise after lifting the lid on student mental health in an unexpected way.

Both pages received between 150 and 200 submissions a day, and had a post reach of between 100,000 and 200,000 views per week.

In a June 2017 interview with Cherwell, one of the pages’ admins said: “I realised there would be some mental health stuff [on Oxfess], but I didn’t realise the extent to which it would be the case.

“It’s nice that people feel that there’s a place to talk about these things.”

Oxford’s third major anonymous submissions page, Oxfeud, has been inactive since January, after receiving constant criticism for allegedly providing a platform for hate speech.