In the weeks following the announcement of the Nathan Cofnas event with Oxford University Reform Society, Oriel College has been central to discussions online and around the University. Despite their approval to host the academic, the College has remained silent until now.
On 26 October, Oriel published an official statement on their website, stating that “Oriel College is committed to upholding freedom of speech”, including perspectives that “many find deeply offensive.” However, the statement contains a disclaimer that even when an event is booked, it “does not imply endorsement … of the views of its speakers.” The College also claims to promote an environment free from racial discrimination.
Dr. Nathan Cofnas is a former professor at Ghent University. Most recently, he wrote the first article accusing Cambridge professor Jason Arday of plagiarism. Days after Arday resigned in August, he was found dead at his home in London.
Many are not satisfied with the actions of Oriel College, the University, and the Reform Society. Over 850 students across Oxford and other universities have signed an open letter addressed to Oriel College, asking for a clarification of the policy for hosting speakers whose views do not align with “the College’s commitment towards equity, diversity, and inclusion.”
Of the signatories, over 135 are current Oriel students or alumni. The letter outlines various concerns with the event, including their worries for Oriel College’s reputation, the wellbeing of minority students, and Dr Cofnas’ disdain towards diversity, equality, and inclusion policies.
The safety of students is another widespread concern.
The event, entitled “An Evening with Nathan Cofnas: Is DEI Undermining Higher Education?” is to take place in the Harris Lecture Theatre on the Island Site, where a large portion of students live. Some rooms are even in the same building as the Harris Lecture Theatre.
Oxfordshire Stand Up To Racism has organized a protest in Oriel Square prior to the talk. Protesters have also reportedly planned to book tickets for the free talk. They intend to not show up in attempts to have an empty audience welcome Dr Cofnas.
Both events will take place right outside student entrances. Many anticipate that they will hinder the ability for students to leave and enter their college and access their rooms. Since those rooms are in the vicinity of the protests, many students are also afraid of escalation of the protests.
Oxford University Reform Society has also released a statement on their Instagram account. On Sunday, 25 October, the society took responsibility for the decision to host Dr Cofnas, claiming that the speakers for events are chosen solely by the society’s committee.
The statement also claims that constituent colleges like Oriel are required to host events of any University-registered societies under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
Despite protests, the Oxford University Reform Society intends to follow through with the event.