Protest planned at Oxford talk by academic who accused Jason Arday

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 19:56 · Archive

Stand Up to Racism plans a protest against Nathan Cofnas speaking at Oxford University's Oriel College on 17 November.

Stand Up to Racism has organised a protest against Nathan Cofnas speaking at Oxford University's Oriel College on 17 November. The event, organised by Oxford Reform UK, is titled 'An Evening with Nathan Cofnas: Is DEI Undermining Higher Education?'. Cofnas, an American philosopher who has advocated for 'race realism', wrote a blog accusing Professor Jason Arday, Cambridge University's youngest ever Black professor, of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis.

Arday resigned in August, saying he had faced 'an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack' and that 'the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away'. He was found dead at his home in south London days later. An inquest is under way, with a coroner previously saying he died an 'unnatural death'.

In an open letter, Stand Up to Racism claimed Cofnas 'came to prominence for his role in a racist witch hunt' of Arday. Cofnas responded: 'Oxford Stand Up to Racism describes my exposé of Jason Arday as a racist witch hunt. That tells you everything you need to know about their intellectual and moral standards.' Lord Young of Acton, founder of the Free Speech Union, said: 'If you profoundly disagree with someone's views, the appropriate response is to debate with them, not silence them.'

How it is being reported

• Oxford University students aim to CANCEL anti-woke academic who accused Jason Arday of plagiarismOxford University students are plotting to cancel a talk planned by an academic who accused Jason Arday of plagiarism. Nathan Confas is scheduled to speak to Oriel College about the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) diktats on higher education. The American philosopher’s speech is planned for an event hosted by the Reform UK society. However, the Oxford branch of Stand Up to Racism has declared Mr Cofnas is “not welcome on campus”. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The group has threatened to stage a protest outside Oriel College if the university allows the academic to speak.…GB News · 25 Oct, 19:47
• Protest planned at Oxford University talk by academic who accused Jason Arday of plagiarismNathan Cofnas has advocated for ‘race realism’The Independent · 24 Oct, 17:35

In this story: Nathan Cofnas · Jason Arday · Oxford University · Oriel College · Stand Up to Racism · Cambridge University

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