Reckless victim Alexandra praises ‘wake-up call’ petition

The final year girl at the centre of the Ed Reckless slap scandal has condemned the President’s election, saying his actions should have consequences. 

Alexandra told The Tab it is “disturbing” he’s been allowed to stay in his position after he slapped her and was consequently banned from Loughborough SU earlier this year.

Meanwhile Reckless is set to make a statement on his future in the coming days.

The 22-year-old has supported the petition, slamming complaints from those who say the petition is worthless because anyone from around the world can vote.

She said someone who is publicly violent cannot represent an institution that completely condemns violence and should not have been allowed to run.

Reckless was banned from the union for slapping her twice on Tuesday 27 January and sent her a letter of apology after the incident.

But in the Bubble Debate, Ed rebutted questions of the slap as “an embellishment”.

Alexandra said: “It’s been voiced by some students the petition shouldn’t be occurring because Reckless has been democratically voted into his position. But this petition is also a democratic process.

“Many of the signatures on the petition were from students who had voted for reckless, without having fully known about the incident or its specifics. This is openly stated as a main reason by these individuals for signing the petition in the first place.

“The fact this petition has extended beyond the student sphere reflects how representing a university is not merely about the current students. A representative plays a significant role in upholding the reputation of the university as its stands within the wider community.”

While Alexandra did not start the petition, she said the whole incident reflects badly on the University.

She added: “Loughborough University claims to have a zero tolerance policy to violence, yet it has a president that has been actively violent. This reflects very negatively on its image as a reputable institution.

“Violent actions should have consequences, regardless of gender, sex or alcohol levels.

“In my opinion, Reckless getting the position of union president is disturbing.

“The fact Reckless was allowed to run while being punished, and then consequently win, highlights an uncomfortable frailty in the University’s attitude towards violence.

“There needs to be a tighter consensus for who is allowed to run for any position of authority on campus, especially a role which represents the majority. This petition is a long over due wake up call.”

Reckless is expected to make a statement on his future in the next few days.