Where's Wilko?!

This petition is about an ex-BCU student, Matthew Wilkinson (aka Wilko), a former committee member of the rugby team and active member of the students' union. Wilko ran the 2012 infamous Toga Party, supported the union bar and increased interteam unity. He also held the role of rugby social secretary, looked after foreign exchange students and even assisted as a translator when a coach to spain broke down in France. During Welcome Week this year (2013), he attended an event at the student union venue 'Lounge North'. He was asked to leave by one of the bouncers for 'being too drunk'. He did as he was asked and stood outside of the building. His girlfriend, a current BCU student and active member of the union, then noticed he was outside and went to speak to him. The same bouncer then told her that she had to leave if she wanted to talk to him, which would have resulted in her waiting in a long queue to re-enter the venue. She explained that she simply wanted to find out if he was leaving alone or wanted her to leave with him and that as soon as she received an answer she would be in or out. The bouncer aggressively pushed his girlfriend out of the doors, to which Matthew responded by grabbing the bouncer.

Since this incident in September, the students' union have barred Matthew from any SU related events, even those not at BCU venues. Their argument is that they have to protect students and they believe he poses an aggressive risk. It is clear that Matthew was only acting in order to protect his girlfriend, due to the member of door staff being out of order. Multiple people encountered issues with the bouncer in question that night and he is now not allowed to work at BCU events. This is progress, however they are still punishing Matthew six months later, for a reaction to their mistake and one made from utterly selfless decisions. We accepted some punishment, but after six months, it has gone on far too long and we need to make a stand. Many sports team members and even some union staff have attempted to defend Wilko, explaining that he does not have an aggressive personality and has never been involved in any similar incidents, yet nothing has changed.

Due to this decision, he cannot join his fellow rugby team mates at the student union before or after games, which has resulted in him stopping playing for the team. He cannot go to any student union event with his friends. He cannot attend the student activities ball, where current and past sports team and society members come together to celebrate their time at BCU. He cannot celebrate his girlfriend's and friends' graduation at gradball or graduation ceremony as these are all student union events. We were originally told that he would probably be able to attend the student activities ball, but recently this seems increasingly unlikely. A tribunal has also been requested, but nothing has happened so far.

Please sign this petition to show that you support the right to protect those around you! Let's get Matthew Wilkinson (Wilko) back into the students' union to enjoy these last few events of the year and enable him to come back and visit in the future as a proud ex-BCU student! Let's make BCU a safe environment where all students stick together to look after one another as a united family. Please sign this petition.

#Whereswilko

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