UNIVERSITY STAYS MUM OVER TRESPASS ORDERS

University of Otago management has declined to comment on trespass
notices issued against two pro-marijuana students.

Abe Gray, president of the marijuana reform group Norml, and another
group member were issued with trespass notices this week banning them
from the Union Lawn, the area where group members openly smoke
cannabis during their twice-weekly "4.20 smoke-up" protests.

Mr Gray and two other students were arrested by police last Friday
after complaints people were smoking cannabis at a Norml information stand.

Otago University Students Association president Simon Wilson
criticised the trespass orders, saying it was "ridiculous" students
were trespassed from an institution where they paid fees.

Asked by the Otago Daily Times why there was a trespass notice
against Mr Gray, university student services director David
Richardson said in a brief written reply police had issued the
trespass notice so all questions should be directed to them.

There was nothing to stop anyone protesting off campus he said.

"As has been stated many times, the university has no problem with
lawful protest. It does have a problem with, and will not condone,
illegal activities."