Ex-member backs move on 'sexist' club

Published on Friday 10 April 2009 22:13

A FORMER presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament has backed St Andrews University's decision to de-recognise a controversial men-only society.

George Reid, who is a former member of the Kate Kennedy Club, whose origins dates back to the 15th century, supported new principal, Dr Louise Richardson, who earlier this week stated that supporting the society was completely at odds with the university's inclusive ethos.

Mr Reid joined the club, perceived as an exclusive preserve for rich, white upper-class English males, 52 years ago and said it was an accepted part of St Andrews life at that time.

But he added: "Half a century on it is a different world. In 2002, I met with club officials and Brian Lang (the former principal] and made it very clear that modern Scotland was an inclusive society where institutions must be open to all.

"I still have the position of (encouraging] inclusion and equal rights, and I endorse the position of the principal and the student association."

Mr Reid also holds honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the university.

The university's student association backed Dr Richardson, describing the club's membership policy as an "anachronism".

The KK, as the club is informally known, is famous for a colourful annual procession. It is led by a male student dressed as a woman. The club was set up to honour the niece of Bishop Kennedy, one of the founders of the university.

On Wednesday, Dr Richardson e-mailed every student to say that the university was withdrawing official recognition of the club.

She said she hoped the procession would continue as an "important tradition" and praised the group's charitable fundraising. But she added: "The university will not be participating officially in the procession this year nor continuing its recognition of the Kate Kennedy Club."

She added: "The official endorsement of any club or society which excludes people because of their gender or race would be completely at odds with the values of this university, and our commitment to foster an open and inclusive international community."

In 2002, a petition against the club sparked a university snub of the procession.

While he was a student at St Andrews, Prince William is reported to have not sought membership of the society in disapproval of its policy.

However, Murdo Findlay, the current KK president, said the society would not bow to external pressure to admit women.

The move comes after Dr Richardson was denied membership of the men-only Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews – a courtesy extended to her male predecessors.