UoB: MORE EXTENSIVE SECURITY AND BETTER METHODS IN PLACE TO SCREEN PEOPLE COMING INTO THE GUILD. 

In light of the recent spiking-by-injection epidemic that seems to be sweeping over the clubbing scene around the country, we are calling for the University of Birmingham to implement better screening processes to check students before entering the premises for the famed sports night and Fab nights at the guild. 

The guild has responded and said they have given their staff extensive training (which is an exaggeration at best ) and already do a lot to prevent spiking, but obviously this is not enough and I, as a female student at the university,  do not feel safe nor protected by these over-exaggerated measures. They have made these claims as flimsy statements in attempts to protect their public image and to appear more proactive, without having to invest their money or time in thinking of better solutions to this very apparent problem. 

This recent epidemic has led to women feeling unsafe and feeling as though they cannot have fun and let their guard down when they're out. As a student, I figured the only place I could be safe would be the student union, however, this is proved to not be the case. In my final year of university, after staying inside for the first two years, it seems as though I am going to have to stay inside for a third and final year, as I feel too unsafe to go out and have fun with my friends.

This petition appeals to the student union of the University of Birmingham to implement better measures to prevent people from bringing these sorts of substances into the guild with them. We are calling for a better response from the uni and for them to take the protection of women much more seriously than they claim to be already. 

SPECIFIC MEASURES WE WANT:

- more security staff

- drink covers handed to everyone who walks through the door ( not just bottle covers, but cup covers)

- thorough checking of every person before they enter (bags and person)

- a safe space for women to go, equipped with medical staff who understand what to do in case of a spiking via injection or roofie 

- metal detection

- lifetime ban for those caught with prohibited items (e.g. spiking drugs ) 

- increase funding for student welfare support for Universities, so that students who have experienced violence can seek specialist support

- Scan all student IDs / normal IDs upon entry so time and identity can be noted

WE WANT A SAFE STUDENT UNION FOR EVERYONE AND AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE WOMEN CAN FEEL SAFE.