Off the wall – posters banned

After a long battle with York societies over postering regulations on campus, York University Council has prohibited all applications of posters to University property. This change is the result of an ongoing clash of interests between several societies and the University. The final verdict came about due to the University’s desire to protect its buildings from the potential damage caused by the mounting of posters and flyers.

Previously, postering had been frowned upon by the University but overlooked in controlled areas. The recent ban follows amendments made in June forbidding societies from writing with chalk on campus property to publicise events, with the University threatening to charge anyone caught writing in chalk, as well as the society involved, for the cost of cleaning it up.

This latest decision will have severe implications for those who rely heavily on the use of posters to advertise events.

Performance societies will perhaps feel the heaviest impact, as posters have played a significant role in the past when attracting crowds. Emily Thommes, Chair of the Pantomime Society and Director of the current year’s Central Hall Musical Society production told Vision: “Zero tolerance on posters is potentially stifling to performance societies. A show that isn’t advertised means no audience and therefore no more shows. This is the University at their lowest yet.”

The changes could also mean that campaigns, including those run by candidates in the YUSU elections, will be compromised, as visual promotion around campus has been the most-used form of self-promotion in the past. Societies and individuals looking to advertise themselves to the student population will now have to turn to alternative methods, such as social networking sites.