Website set up by Plymouth student suspended after article 'condoning rape'
A "MISOGYNIST" website set up by a Plymouth University student has been suspended after it featured an article condoning rape.
The university has launched an investigation into UniLad, after it carried an article which hailed an assertion that 85 per cent of rape cases go unreported as "good odds". It concluded: "UniLad does not condone rape without saying 'surprise'".
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The site then further stirred up fury on social networking site Twitter, when it responded to one critic by asking if she was a lesbian.
The website is run by "technical director" Jamie Street, a web design student at Plymouth University, and "editor in chief" Alex Partridge.
The site claims to have 8,000 visits per day, and has amassed more than 70,000 fans on Facebook. It generates money through merchandise, some of which bears offensive slogans such as "keep calm - it won't take long".
Estelle Hart, national women's officer for the National Union of Students, has called for the website to be shut down for its "misogyny".
She said: "Words cannot describe my anger at seeing this website. These pathetic attempts at humour feed into a view in society that women are to blame for the violence committed against them.
"The casual trivialisation of rape suggests it is something other than a despicable violent crime and whilst I'm reluctant to give this website the oxygen of publicity we cannot let them get away with such degrading attitudes towards women.
The website has temporarily closed to "clean up" its act, and carries an apology admitting it "took things too far".
In a statement yesterday, Plymouth University said: "We are appalled to learn of the offensive content of this website and we were further dismayed to learn of the involvement of one of our students.
"While this website has no affiliation to Plymouth University, any student activity, extracurricular or otherwise, which brings the University into disrepute is a disciplinary matter and we will be taking appropriate action."
A disciplinary hearing will now be held.
Yesterday, the UniLad website carried a holding message with an apology about the "distress" caused.
"The content in question was uncalled for and should in no way have been published, and we can assure you it will never happen again. Any grief this may have caused you, we apologise for. We took things too far.
"Any flippant comments that may have been said during discussions, I also apologise for, it will not happen again."
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by swoop3
Friday, February 03 2012, 7:31PM
“They won't be laughing when they leave thousands of pounds in debt with Desmond from a third-rate uni. Unless mummy and daddy are minted, of course.”
by rhooper75
Friday, February 03 2012, 3:20PM
“Can anyone tell me what on earth is remotely funny about rape??? Idiots.”
by josdave
Friday, February 03 2012, 10:18AM
“Some of you out there need to grow up particularly htis idiot. While I have a very broad sense of humour rape is one subject you do not joke about unless there is something wrong with you.”
by ClickBoom
Friday, February 03 2012, 9:25AM
“Wow, people need to learn the difference between an opinion and a joke. Comedy should be able to touch anything. If he wants to joke about rape, then let him. If you're offended - tough ****.”
by swoop3
Friday, February 03 2012, 7:42AM
“@bikerlad707 It's a waste of their money now rather than mine. I wouldn't fancy being saddled with a huge debt with nothing but a degree from Plymouth Poly (sorry) University to get me out of the hole.”
by Vinnie_Gar
Friday, February 03 2012, 7:01AM
“MagicalOne
Good non-answer.
You could be a politician.”
by bikerlad707
Friday, February 03 2012, 6:47AM
“University, waste of money , now you see what they do most of the time .
i dont mean all of them just the time wasters, 50%, but i spose its part of growing up”
by JayUK84
Thursday, February 02 2012, 11:15PM
“It's obviously a joke. Chill out.”
by exaccountant
Thursday, February 02 2012, 10:13PM
“I guess in 10 years he will look at this and cringe in the same way as we all (I'd hope) do when we see a 70's sit com (was there one called 'Love thy neighbour?) or stand-up comedian.
I'd put it down to inflation of GCSE pass rates and too many University places, back in the good old days you had to be 'intelligent' (or rich) to get into University.
Even if you're a 'septic' it's not Humor and it certainly isn't Humour.”
by MagicalOne
Thursday, February 02 2012, 9:40PM
“Am sure your mothers are real proud of what they have raised .”