The Students’ Guild has announced that the Safer Sex Ball “cannot continue” (SSB), Exeposé can exclusively reveal.
Following a meeting with the RAG committee on January 30, the Guild has stated that, in light of recent damaging media coverage and due to concerns over student welfare, “an exact replica of the event in the future isn’t an option”.
Exeposé understands that the decision was made by the Students’ Guild Trustee Board. The Guild have told Exeposé in an exclusive statement that they will “continue to support RAG in the development of an equally exciting ball”, and that a consultation process with RAG is currently ongoing.
The RAG committee is said to be distressed at the announcement that the future of its most profitable fundraising event is uncertain. The committee pointed out that this news will come as an enormous blow, not only to RAG but to its beneficiaries.
The Eddystone Trust receives around £20,000 every year from the project. Campus-based charity Community Action also benefits from large donations from SSB profits.
In a statement following the news, the RAG committee said they would strive to overturn the decision with the help of the student body: “we hope that the Students’ Guild will recognise the popularity of the Safer Sex Ball with the students and its inherent charitable mission.”
“However, if this will not be the case then we will seek alternate means of funding and running the event.”
After 21 years of outstanding fundraising at this often controversial ball, the SSB has come under fire in recent weeks. The SSB and Exeter University were scrutinised in national newspapers following the leak of CCTV footage depicting two students engaged in a sex act in the Ram bar.
Resulting partly from the unwelcome media coverage, the Guild has found itself unable to continue supporting such an event at the risk of infringing its reputation, as well as the welfare of students who attend the event.
A spokesperson for the Guild defended its decision, saying: “In spite of significant efforts in recent years, the event’s association with promoting safer sex has been overshadowed with a less positive image, leading to unintended consequences for students who attend the event, as well as RAG, the Guild and the University.
“Therefore the Guild and RAG are working together to formulate a way to reinvent the SSB, maintaining its strong assets; raising charitable funds and awareness of key issues whilst providing great student development opportunities and a great night out for students.”
Exeposé will be conducting in-depth interviews with RAG and the Guild in our next edition, published on Tuesday 20 February.
By Ellie Steafel and Ben Murphie, Deputy Editors
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