Tim Soutphommasane, the University of Oxford’s Chief Diversity Officer, has responded to concerns surrounding an Oxford University Reform Society event featuring Nathan Cofnas on 17 November at Oriel College.
Soutphommasane acknowledged that recent weeks have been difficult for members of the university community and described Cofnas, who has described himself as a race realist, as a philosopher associated with similar views.
The statement noted that safety and welfare concerns had been raised by a significant number of students and staff.
Soutphommasane said the University has a legal responsibility to promote and protect freedom of speech within the law.
He linked this position to the University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech, which describes lawful expression and academic freedom as central elements of university life that require strong protection.
Colleges also have their own codes and retain discretion concerning events held on their premises.
Objections have centred on Cofnas’s planned appearance at a session concerning diversity, equity and inclusion, its influence on universities, and academic freedom.
Stand Up To Racism has subsequently arranged a protest in Oriel Square for the day of the talk.
Soutphommasane’s statement did not address the planned protest and did not ask Oriel College or the Reform Society to cancel the event.
Oriel College issued a separate statement on 26 October.
The University has operated a Chief Diversity Officer role since 2022, with Soutphommasane formally assuming the position in 2023.
In his statement, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including its determination to address racism and safeguard the safety and welfare of its members.
He added that protection of free speech does not cover racial incitement, discrimination, harassment or conduct that breaches University policies.
He also maintained that lawful expression permits intellectual disagreement rather than discrimination or targeting of particular groups.
An EDI roundtable was due to take place before Cofnas’s appearance at Worcester College at 11am on the same day.
The first such discussion of the year was intended to examine equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK and within higher education.
Its subject covered progress, pushback and the contested direction of equality.
Cofnas has previously been dismissed from Cambridge University after arguing that, under a genuine meritocracy, Black people would almost entirely vanish from prominent positions outside sport and entertainment.
He subsequently expressed an ambition to lead a eugenics department at Harvard University and was recently dismissed from Ghent University.
Soutphommasane said the need to protect free speech can coexist with concern for people whose welfare is affected by lawful expression.
He recognised fears about racism across Oxford and concerns that the positions of Black and minority ethnic students and academics were being unfairly challenged.
The University, he said, welcomes reasoned debate in its academic activities and that the significant contributions made by Black and minority ethnic students and staff should not be treated as open to question.