I am concerned about the amount of outside advertising that my college is now displaying. Handsomely crafted glass cabinets are now popping up where once students placed their own amateurish announcements for events and sales. They make the college look like a big bus shelter. Should we really be in a position where we are obtaining funding by helping to sell Coca-Cola and Reebok?
Given the range of potential customers, particularly young ones, it was inevitable that advertising would target FE after it was privatised.
Colleges, of course, will take money where it comes, although the larger ethical issue must be addressed. I would hope colleges think hard about what products they are prepared to display, although the criteria for such decisions are complex and even inflammatory at times.
Send your dilemmas to Don Short at shortbuttall@hotmail.com
