Uni president in war mural row ‘on leave’

A UNIVERSITY union president was yesterday “on leave” after vowing to deface a mural in tribute to First World War heroes as they are “white men”.

Around 13,000 people signed petitions urging Emily Dawes to resign.

She claimed she would “paint over” the mural by Sir William Rothenstein.

The astrophysics student at Southampton yesterday apologised.

It is understood she has received hate mail while students’ union employees have been told not to wear uniforms over safety fears.

Member Steve Gore, vice president of sport, said: “Emily Dawes is on leave until further notice.”