I’ve thought for a while about writing this. It’s difficult as I am a loyal lecturer @UniofOxford . But as I watch the #RhodesMustFall protests I want to share an experience. First off, this is not about race but it is about class, gender, xenophobia & otherness.
Secondly, I love Oxford University. It’s not a single entity. It’s a body with lots of parts. When I arrived fresh from state school in Slough I hid from the unpleasant bits while places like @StAnnesCollege @KelloggOx @OxfordConted @EFLOxford supported & embraced me.
I fought on the Target Schools campaign to encourage more state school kids to apply & loved the fresh learning space of St Anne’s. Throughout my 3 year degree I was in a band travelling in & out of London. One night I came back from a gig & a friend said ‘come to Oriel College.’
I was in my stage gear & had never been to Oriel before. I found my way to the room & when I opened the door there were 15 young men standing in tweed suits singing the national anthem! I already knew I shouldn’t be there. It wasn’t helped by heckles: ‘here’s the entertainment!’
But my friend found me & begged me to meet her boyfriend. He came over & his first statement was: ‘I hear you’re Catholic?’ I was nervous but replied my parents were Irish/Polish & my Catholicism was upbringing. He started aggressively quizzing me on my beliefs: contraception etc
He got angrier & angrier then whether he pushed me or I fell I still don’t know, but I went backwards over a footstool & fell on a glass. It severed my thumb. I was rushed to hospital & spent 3 months in physio regaining the use of my hand. Why do I say this?
Because in all my time in Oxford I’ve seen extraordinary, brilliant people. Then there’s a part that scares & disturbs me. That black students have to walk under a statue of a colonialist is a symbol; a symbol of wrongs that the university needs to address. I stand in solidarity.
I must add that this took place in the late 90s. I came back to @UniofOxford because I believe it has a firm commitment to righting the wrongs as best it can. I see hope in the work of @TORCHOxford @OxfordACS @oxfordpride and so many more. Hope, courage, change.
I should also add that the Rhodes statue is outside Oriel College......
