Mysterious “ICU Reform” account messages student representatives
A Gmail account claiming to represent an organisation called “ICU Reform” has sent emails to student representatives in the period leading up to the opening of nominations for the Leadership Elections. The organisation has offered “support” to specific candidates with the aim of “protecting Imperial College Union’s future.”
“Leadership elections can be unpredictable, and sometimes the people best suited for a position are not the ones who end up elected,” ICU Reform wrote in one email. “We are about making sure strong candidates like you have the backing they need so important roles do not simply go to whoever shouts the loudest or treats it as a LinkedIn badge.”
The sender used a modified Imperial College Union badge as a signoff, with the logo’s six black circles showing cracks, and the word “Union” replaced with “reform”. ICU Reform did not respond to Felix’s request for comment. There is no indication that the account is affiliated with any national political party.
A spokesperson for ICU said: “We’ve been made aware that a group is using our name and logo without authorisation and is not an affiliated students’ union group. We have formally requested that they immediately stop using the name ‘ICU Reform,’ any logos, branding, or visual identity, and that they clarify in all future communications that they are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially recognised by Imperial College Union.
“We urge students to exercise caution when receiving such emails. While student organising is welcome, Imperial College Union is committed to ensuring our elections remain transparent, fair, and free from misrepresentation. Any students engaging in election-related activities should operate openly and not misappropriate official ICU branding.”
