Ryan Ginger, Activities and Employability Officer at the Guild of Students, received backlash on the Facebook Group Fab N’ Fresh.

This was following Ginger reposting an article titled ‘Coronavirus may be taking over, but Fab is still definitely not cancelled’ by the Birmingham Tab with the caption ‘ “forget the Corona – it’s two VK Ice’s for £4 at Fab, courtesy of the big man himself Mr AEO.”

‘My manifesto promised you more drinks deals at Joes Bar at this unprecedented time enjoy 2 ice VK for £4 or a tropical j bomb for £2

‘See you at fab tomorrow (FAB is still on)’

The post has gained over 200 Facebook angry reactions.

Holly, a final year student, told Redbrick that she believes that Ginger’s post was very distasteful.

‘I think the way the Guild Officer Team have handled this pandemic is absolutely atrocious. While they should follow government guidelines which at the time weren’t enforcing any gathering bans they should have also taken into account the vulnerability of students at an event where people would have been in close contact, sharing drinks.

‘The post itself was completely insensitive, making light of a situation that has already caused thousands of deaths worldwide. He needs to take accountability.’

A second-year politics student defended Ginger’s post and said, ‘Ryan Ginger is merely forming his role as an officer and promoting a Guild event, and he was also only following Government Guidelines at the time, and the Government is still not closing pubs and clubs.

‘I can understand why some people are frustrated but it is unfair to take it out on Ryan who is merely trying to keep university life going as normal.’

Ryan Ginger told Redbrick ‘In hindsight, the post was not appropriate considering the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding COVID 19. I apologise for any upset caused by this. The Guild and the Guild Officer team this week has been working hard with student safety the priority.

‘Guild events are all cancelled including Guild Awards, club nights and more with full refunds available. We are working with student groups to support them to cancel events. The advice for students really is to not feel obliged to stay on campus. Despite any concerns over the weekend myself and the Officer team are there to support and represent you so please, I implore you to, get in contact with us.’