Outrage over sex workers’ stall at freshers’ week fair

University of Brighton launches inquiry into why controversial group was given access to students

THE University of Brighton has been accused of encouraging prostitution after a sex workers’ support group ran a stall offering help for students at its freshers’ fair.

An investigation is being launched into the decision to allow the Sex Workers’ Outreach Project Sussex (Swop) attend the university’s events in the city and at its Eastbourne campus.

The move has been branded “beyond disgraceful” by feminist activists.

The organisation is part of the Brighton Oasis Project charity and describes itself as a “discreet and confidential” service for women in the sex industry who live or work in Sussex.

Last night, a University of Brighton spokesman said it would be launching an investigation and “does not promote sex work to its students”.

The Swop stalls offered free condoms and lubricant as well as inviting visitors to “come and play” on a “wheel of sexual wellbeing”.

In a series of tweets, it promoted its attendance. “One in six students does sex work or thinks about turning to sex work. We can help,” it said in one.

Feminist campaigner and writer Julie Bindel, the co-founder of the law reform group Justice for Women, criticised the idea. She said: “This is beyond disgraceful. It makes me so angry that the sex trade’s become normalised and pimped to women as though it is a harmless way to earn a living. There should be an inquiry by the university.”

Swop defended its position, saying it had “never idealised sex work”, adding: “However, we understand why students may turn to sex work, and navigating the legal precariousness as well as potential danger mean that students are extra vulnerable and we will help.”

It said it was not “encouraging or suggesting” that students become sex workers but cited academic research about students in sex work and said the group would offer “support and advice without judgment”.

Another feminist activist, Sarah Ditum, told The Sunday Times: “This is essentially a grooming operation, pitching prostitution as a manageable, desirable lifestyle.”

Some academics defended the group. Alison Phipps, professor of gender studies at the University of Sussex, thanked them for their “great work” and Gemma Ahearne, a lecturer and sex industry researcher at Liverpool

John Moores University, said their work was “amazing”.

Tomi Ibukun, president of the student’s union, which organised the event, told The Sunday Times: “Swop was at our freshers’ fair event to raise awareness of the specialist support they provide should it ever be needed.”

In a statement the University of Brighton said: “The freshers fair is managed by the students’ union. The university is exploring this matter further with the students’ union.”