We know many students are worried about the upcoming speaker event in Oxford and its impact on them. We also know this comes at a time of grief for many following the death of Professor Jason Arday, and our thoughts and condolences remain with everyone affected by his passing.
It is our priority to ensure all students feel safe and welcome in Oxford. We also recognise the importance of freedom of speech, and that recent legislation protects the right to host such events at universities.
A message from the SU regarding speaker events in Oxford
We know many students are worried about the upcoming speaker event in Oxford and its impact on them. We also know this comes at a time of grief for many following the death of Professor Jason Arday, and our thoughts and condolences remain with everyone affected by his passing.
It is our priority to ensure all students feel safe and welcome in Oxford. We also recognise the importance of freedom of speech, and that recent legislation protects the right to host such events at universities. Freedom of speech also means that students are entitled to oppose such events, and to disagree with the content of the discussions.
Student clubs and societies operate independently from us and are registered with the University directly, unlike at other universities. Oxford SU has no jurisdiction over student clubs and societies at Oxford and has no role in assessing their events. Those decisions lie with the Clubs Office and the University.
At Oxford SU, our role is to hear all students’ views and represent them to the University. We would encourage affected students to contact us and share their views via relevant forums across the University, one option is our upcoming Black and Ethnic Minorities Students' Representative Committee on Monday 2nd November. Students can register to attend the RepCom here.
We will use what we hear to inform our engagement with the University.
The SU remains proudly committed to championing racial equality and making Oxford a place where everyone can thrive. We would like to express our support and solidarity to any and all students affected by these events.
We recognise that many students will be concerned by these developments and we strongly encourage students impacted by these events to reach out and seek support. Support for students affected is available from Oxford SU's Student Advice, the University's Student Welfare and Support Services and your college welfare team.
There are a number of services available to provide support to you during your studies at the University and you will find information about them on these pages.
Additional support includes:
- If you experience bullying, harassment or discrimination, read Oxford SU Advice’s guidance on reporting this to the collegiate University
- The University’s Counselling Service offers free counselling for all students
- Support from your college welfare team
- Stand Against Racism & Inequality offer free and confidential support to anyone who is targeted by hate for their race, faith, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity, age, gender, or sex
- Mind guidance on racism and mental health