We, the undersigned, oppose the Oxford University Reform UK Society’s invitation to Nathan Cofnas to speak at Oriel College on 17 November, at an event titled “Is DEI Undermining Higher Education?”
Cofnas is not simply a critic of diversity policy. He is a self-described “race realist” who argues that genes contribute to racial group differences in intelligence. Contemporary genetics has rejected the scientific racism and eugenics which Cofnas draws upon. He has claimed that in a meritocracy “the number of black professors would approach 0%.”
He also publicly questioned Professor Jason Arday’s appointment, asking whether Cambridge believed “the only way to have black professors is to abandon all standards.” An inquest into Professor Arday’s death is ongoing. Out of respect for that process and for his family, we say no more.
Reform UK claims recent revelations of racism in its ranks concern a few “bad apples.” Yet its Oxford society is willing to promote racist ideas. Ideas platformed at Oxford do not stay in the lecture theatre. They travel through social media and political debate, carrying the University’s authority.
We value academic freedom. But free speech does not extinguish duties under the Equality Act 2010, including the Public Sector Equality Duty. Nor does it remove responsibility for the safety and welfare of Black students and staff.
Oriel College says it “abhors racism and discrimination in all its forms.” To live by those words, it should cancel this event. Failing that it should at least postpone it pending a full written response to the following:
Publish the event risk assessment: Oriel College must explain how it has considered its equality duties, safeguarding responsibilities and the welfare of students and staff.
Safeguard Black students and staff: Take meaningful steps to protect Black students and staff, including clear arrangements for reporting racist incidents and engagement with Black student organisations to address concerns ahead of the event.
Commission an independent review: Review how the decision to host this event was made and what lessons should be learned, with Black student organisations involved in the process and the findings made public.
We request an urgent public response. If the event goes ahead, we support a demonstration opposing the event on 17 November.
Signatories
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Diane Abbott MP
Beverley Knight
Zawe Ashton
Sir Patrick Vernon
Misan Harriman
Afua Hirsch
Gary Younge
Dawn Butler MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Kim Johnson MP
John McDonnell MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Zarah Sultana MP
Jo Grady — University and College Union
Daniel Kebede — National Education Union
Andrea Egan — UNISON
Weyman Bennett — Stand Up to Racism
Samira Ali — Women Against the Far Right
Naomi Evans — Everyday Racism
Natalie Evans — Everyday Racism
Kojo Kyerewaa — Black Lives Matter UK
Jolyon Maugham — Good Law Project
Sangita Myska
Nels Abbey
Carys Afoko
Jermain Jackman
Dr Wanda Wyporska — Black Cultural Archives
David Weaver — Operation Black Vote
Timi Okuwa — Black Equity Organisation
Danielle Bridge — Black Minds Matter
Aisha Sanusi — The African Caribbean Education Network & The Black Curriculum
Fran Heathcote — Public and Commercial Services Union
Steve Wright — Fire Brigades Union
Sarah Woolley — Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union
Professor Elleke Boehmer — University of Oxford
Professor Robert Gildea — University of Oxford
Professor Jane Hiddleston — University of Oxford
Professor Pablo Mukherjee — University of Oxford
Professor Sneha Krishnan — University of Oxford
Professor Dario Carugo — University of Oxford
Dr David Ewing — University of Oxford
Oxford African and Caribbean Society
Oxford Black Academic Futures Programme
Oxford Arab Society
Oxford Student Greens Association
Oxford University Labour Club
Oxford Feminist Society
Oxford University Neurodiversity Society
Oxford Students 4 Palestine
Cambridge Student Union
Cambridge University Caribbean Students Association
Cambridge African and Caribbean Society
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