Petition of No Confidence in Edd Bauer (VP Education)

PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME IN THE SECTION PROVIDED AND WRITE YOUR DEGREE COURSE AS WELL AS STUDENT ID IN THE NOTES SECTION

ALL SIGNATURES ARE ANONYMOUS 

ONCE YOU HAVE SIGNED PLEASE SHARE WITH TWITTER AND FB: #SAYNO2EDSEGO
 

This is a campaign for students at UOB who take issue with Edd Bauer's methods as VPE. It is not a personal attack on Edd Bauer. Instead, it is a rational response to Edd Bauer's failure to defend the interests of students in his time as Vice President of Education. This includes challenging unfair fees. The vote of no confidence is called, as a result of Edd engaging in activity which fails to represent students and fails to listen to how a larger majority of students want him to act. He is not democratically fulfilling his position as a Sabbatical officer, elected by the University of Birmingham's students. Many feel disillusioned with Edd's actions, and the actions of a select few around him. 

In whatever capacity you view the fees rise, Edd's methods as VPE have been ineffective. 
 

Students elected Edd Bauer in a democratic vote. This logically means he should engage democratically. That is before using alternative methods. Engaging with the system and understanding your opponent’s viewpoint is surely worth exploring first. Rather than resorting to more radical methods, energies can be saved for the elements that need to be fought. Edd seems, however, to have decided to run in all guns blazing.


The question can be asked- do you like confrontation in every day life? Few people do, and this is no different to those with the power at the university. It is natural to go on the defensive when such hateful speech is used.
 

From the start of his term in office Edd Bauer was arrested for protesting. He was suspended pending an investigation and consequently suspended for a full term. It was right the courts ruled that he had not committed a crime. He was reinstated in January and received full pay during the time he was suspended.


Unfortunately there is little to show for his achievements following the arrest, yet Edd was paid £5727.05 in term one. He wasted his first term in office. Edd could have met with representatives of the university to develop an understanding of the issues at hand, instead he got himself arrested. It has to be asked is this the rational, responsible behaviour of someone you want representing you? Whilst Edd was bathing in national media glory and getting protests banned on campus, was he representing students? Do you think those with the power take his methods seriously?
   

Edd appears to have forgotten his democratically awarded mandate. He has failed to be accountable to students. Students have in the past questioned him of his manifesto points on both facebook and through twitter in an attempt that he listens to the wider student population - not his immediate clique. Whats Edd's response to this? He has censored questions that show him in a bad light, or question his actions and blocked those he does not agree with. This does not seem representative of someone who supposedly believes in free speech, and is a fighter for democracy.

Do you think Edd has defended your education? Have his methods, and those around him, been productive? If you believe Edd has worked in his own interest, or feel Edd hasn’t properly represented you – we urge you to sign the petition. This will send a clear message.

Edd's term is almost over, but lets claim the right to defend our education back. Lets take it out of the hands of the single minded dogmatic few. Lets send a message we want someone to represent us who will be taken seriously and engages in debate before attempting to tear the system apart. You only have to look at Edd’s record – this hasn’t worked.

We need change.

If this petition receives 795 signatures (3% of the Student population of 26500) then a referendum is automatically triggered. The referendum requires a 10% voter turnout with a simple majority.

To see for yourself how the Guild processes works follow... http://guildofstudents.com/files/officer-disciplinary-process.pdf