This article contains discussion of sexual violence.
The University Times has learned that members of the Union Forum were discouraged from asking questions by TCDSU (Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union) President Jenny Maguire about the action that was to take place to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness month. Union Forum is the union’s highest decision-making body – which features part-time officers and TCDSU sabbatical officers.
The minutes from the Union Forum then describe the previous Chair of Council, Daniel Walsh, asking Maguire to elaborate on the nature of the action for Sexual Assault Awareness. Maguire’s response via the minutes was: “it is ongoing”.
The minutes show Comms Officer Beth Strahan asking why Walsh’s question was shut down. In response, Maguire questioned whether, as Chair, it was appropriate for his role to ask such a question, with the minutes reading: “Is it chair’s right to bring it?”
The Mature Students Officer, James Murphy, then asked if it is constitutional “to keep campaigns secret”. In a previous Union Forum meeting the body of SU part-time representatives were asked not to leak Union Forum meetings to the press.
Walsh told The University Times: “I asked whether concerns that had been raised [by Séan Thim O’Leary] were addressed, and was told that they were.” O’Leary was concerned that the messaging of a proposed earlier action of hanging dummy bodies of rapists from the top of Teach 6 was too violent and aggressive. They also further opposed any use of effigies by TCDSU.
As of today, a town hall held by TCDSU has been announced for tomorrow at 6 pm, discussing the events of last week which have shocked members of the student body.
The event has not yet been shared via social media or email by TCDSU at the time of writing. There have been a number of posters circulated on noticeboards in the Arts Block for the event, however, The University Times nor Trinity News was not sent the notice via email, as is usually done via press releases or personal messages when TCDSU hosts events.
The TCDSU President and Comms Officer have been contacted for comment.
