Cherwell scare OUSU

Oxford Student/November 14, 2002
By Hugh Rabagliati

OUSU has criticised Cherwell for the inclusion in last week's issue of a controversial pamphlet advertising a particular branch of Scientology.

The eight page pull-out advertisement, entitled "Dianetics: The evolution of a science", promoted theories related to those of the Church of Scientology.

OUSU VP Welfare Andrew Copson attacked Cherwell and called its decision to distribute the pamphlet "profoundly irresponsible." He said: "This publication goes to every student in this university, not least to freshers who may be at a most impressionable period in their lives and therefore most open to active recruitment by religious organisations."

James Kettle, editor of Cherwell, justified the paper's decision by claiming that they are "opposed to all forms of religious bigotry and intolerance."

The author of the pamphlet was by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology and of dianetics.