BARRED: Oxford University society that no-platformed ex-Minister Amber
AN OXFORD society which caused uproar after it cancelled a speech by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd has been barred by university authorities for breaching free speech guidelines.
The UNWomen Oxford UK society sparked fury after its committee axed Ms Rudd’s talk with just 30 minutes’ notice last month following outcry from students about the ex-Minister’s role in the Windrush scandal.
Following a storm of protest – Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg dubbed his alma mater ‘snowflake central’– Oxford University’s governing proctors have ordered the feminist group to be de-registered from its affiliated societies and to apologise to Ms Rudd.
The move follows an official complaint by the newly established Free Speech Union led by journalist Toby Young. Proctors Martin Maiden and Sophie Marnette ruled: ‘We have determined that the cancellation of this event was not carried out in accordance with university procedures, codes of practice and policies, in particular that of the freedom of speech.
‘Therefore the society will be de-registered with the proctors. In addition, the proctors have directed the society to issue an apology to Amber Rudd.’
Mr Young, who launched the Free Speech Union in an article for The Mail on Sunday last month, said: ‘Let’s hope this sends a clear message to other Oxford students thinking of no-platforming people. The way to win an argument with someone you disagree with is to engage them in open debate, not ban them from speaking. Free speech is for everyone, not just those who agree with you.’
The snub to Ms Rudd outraged supporters of free speech. National charity UN Women UK said it would no longer be associated with the student society, which has since changed its name to the United Women Oxford Student Society.
Ms Rudd, 56, who was due to deliver a speech encouraging more women to get involved in politics, criticised the society’s decision to no-platform her as ‘outrageous and disappointing’.
She said: ‘Oxford should be a place where they explore ideas and have the highest standards. They are just damaging their own reputation and it’s disgusting that they’re behaving in this way.’
Responding to the proctors’ decision, an Oxford University spokesman said: ‘The university is strongly committed to freedom of speech and opposes no-platforming.
‘The university strongly disapproved of the decision to disinvite Amber Rudd and the proctors have taken just and proportionate action according to the policies which underpin the university’s stance on freedom of speech.’