Protesting students force Oxford University to remove PM’S portrait
THERESA MAY’S portrait was removed by Oxford University following a protest from students and academics who complained that she was a “contentious figure” who failed to show compassion towards migrants.
The Prime Minister’s photograph had been mounted at Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment last week as a part of a celebration of the department’s female alumnae.
However, after a protest – channelled through a social media account called Not All Geographers – the picture was removed.
Meanwhile, a picture of Doreen Massey, a far-left radical academic who advised the government of Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s former president, remained in place.
The row echoes the furore over the refusal to award Margaret Thatcher an honorary degree in 1985.
In a statement given to Cherwell, the student newspaper, the Not All Geographers group said: “Clearly at a time when there are issues with the Windrush scandal and the handling of Brexit, [she is] a contentious figure in a department with many EU citizens and decolonial scholars.
“The main, and most basic, issue comes with the celebration of a sitting Prime Minister. Should a department align itself with the power of the day, when there are those who actively challenge it?
“For many geographers, the famous Doreen Massey being placed below her is also another kick in the teeth.”
A spokesman for the university said they have temporarily taken down Mrs May’s portrait to avoid any potential vandalism attempts, adding that it will be “re-displayed so it can be seen as intended” in due course.
Mrs May, who graduated with a second-class degree in geography from St Hugh’s in 1977, was originally one of 12 alumnae to feature in the display, which was intended to “aim to inspire the next generation of women geographers to aim high in their future careers”.
But the decision to display Mrs May’s photograph was criticised by some students, who wrote messages on pieces of paper around the picture.
One wrote “School of Geography or Hostile Environment”, referring to Mrs May’s approach to illegal immigration when she was Home Secretary. Another message said: “Let in every refugee, throw the Tories in the sea.”
Sam Gyimah, the universities minister who attended Oxford, said that the protest was “utterly ridiculous” adding that “now even portraits are being no-plat-formed”.
Bim Afolami, a Conservative MP and also an Oxford graduate, added: “The absurdity of this. What is happening to this great university?
“I’m ashamed that my alma mater has allowed this to happen. They should reverse the decision ASAP.”