Anti-fascism Morning Star
Anti-racists call for protest against white supremacist talk at Oxford University
ANTI-RACISM campaigners have called a demonstration against Nathan Cofnas’s talk at Oxford University’s Oriel College over his white supremacist views. The US researcher has been invited by the Univer
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The US researcher has been invited by the University of Oxford Reform Society to speak on November 17. The event is billed as “An Evening with Nathan Cofnas: Is DEI [diversity, equity, inclusion] Undermining Higher Education?”
Mr Cofnas was sacked from his post at a Cambridge college in 2024 after he published a blog post claiming that in a meritocracy “the number of black professors [at Harvard] would approach 0 per cent,” arguing that “if whites are attacked qua whites, it makes sense for them to fight back as whites.”
Stand Up to Racism says Mr Cofnas’s allegations launched the witch-hunt that resulted in the death of Professor Jason Arday. Days before the academic’s death in August, Mr Cofnas described him as “a black person who seems to be, in this case, literally mentally disabled.”
SutR co-convener Weyman Bennett said: “It is a disgrace that the University of Oxford are welcoming a racist white supremacist who has responsibility for the death of Professor Jason Arday and it speaks volumes about the far-right nature of Reform UK that their university society is prepared to host him.”
A University of Oxford spokesperson said: “Universities have a legal duty to protect lawful freedom of speech, including views that may be deeply offensive. Allowing an event to proceed does not imply endorsement of the speaker’s views by the University or College.
“This event is organised by a registered student society, with Oriel College responsible for the use of its premises and event arrangements under its Code of Practice.
“Freedom of speech and the right to challenge ideas are central to university life, alongside our commitment to tackling racism and harassment and supporting members of our community.”
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