College librarian sacked over dance stunt (From The Oxford Times)
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College librarian sacked over dance stunt
9:30am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News
Students performing in the library
A LIBRARIAN has been sacked for not stopping students who copied the Harlem Shake, an internet dance fad, in the historic St Hilda’s Library.
Librarian Calypso Nash was dismissed after a group of about 30 students danced in fancy dress on chairs and tables at St Hilda’s College in Cowley Place.
The dance was filmed for internet website YouTube, as part of the Harlem Shake fad, which has seen people around the world film themselves dancing to the song by American DJ Baauer.
Students identified in the video have been fined an unknown amount by the college Dean, it was reported.
The college’s students yesterday launched a campaign for their librarian to be reimstated, protesting she knew nothing about their plans.
They are also calling for the fines to be rescinded as they shot the video late on a Sunday night at 11.30pm so as not to disturb anyone studying.
At St Hilda's Junior Common Room weekly meeting, students passed a motion calling for Miss Nash to be re-hired.
St Hilda’s student Ellen Gibson said: “The situation seems ridiculous. The librarian had nothing to do with the protest; she just happened to be there at the time.”
The Oxford students dressed as skiers, weight-lifters and in furry badger costumes and wearing horses heads while dancing.
One re-enacted a member of the jailed Russian pop protest group Pussy Riot.
The original 30-second YouTube clip reached more than 5,000 views before it was removed at 4pm yesterday.
The campaign had also taken to Twitter yesterday with hundreds voicing their support worldwide on the social media site for Miss Nash to have her job back.
Miss Nash studied Classics, Ancient Greek and Roman literature, history and philosophy from 2008 until 2012.
She is now a graduate at St Hilda’s College after being awarded an academic scholarship.
St Hilda’s College refused to comment.
Oxford University spokesman Matt Pickles said: “It’s a matter for the college. They have told us they don’t wish to make a comment at this time.”
