KU students voted to reject a proposal to ban military forces from recruiting anywhere on campus.

The armed forces are banned from recruiting at specific Student Union events since a motion was passed at last year’s annual student meeting, but they can still recruit across the campus as a whole.

Joshua Ogunleye today proposed an extension to his original pledge so that the ban would cover all University events. He said: “No recruitment, no promotion, because we do not support this war [Iraq and Afghanistan] or this attack on our education.”

Alistair Farrow, who seconded the motion, said: “People are welcome to join the army but why does the army have to come onto campus and influence impressionable eighteen year olds?”

Both the proposers pointed to the increasing attraction of the armed forces who offer pay student fees when recruiting.

James Hallet, who opposed the motion, said: “If you don’t want to join up for something, don’t join it. It’s ridiculous that the military don’t get our support and can’t recruit on our own turf.”

The ban last year was greeted with dismay from many students on Engineering and Aeronautical courses who see the military as one of their biggest employers.

Rhiannon Hiscocks, SU Vice President Activities, said: “If we don’t have all opportunities for students, this is not trusting students with their own lives. Students can make their own decisions.”

Miss Hiscocks' comments were met with enthusiastic applause and the amendment to the motion was rejected by a quorum decision.

It was the only rejected motion, but also the only one voted on by the hundred plus students needed for a final decision to be made at the ASM.