Oriel College at the University of Oxford is being urged by campaign groups, academics, and alumni to withdraw facilities for an upcoming event scheduled for 17 November. The event, titled “An evening with Nathan Cofnas: Is DEI undermining higher education?”, is being organized by Oxon Universities’ Reform Society (OURS), a student group established this year to support Reform UK.
Nathan Cofnas, described as a blogger and academic, gained prominence after making unproven plagiarism accusations against Jason Arday, a 41-year-old Cambridge professor who resigned from his position before being found dead in August. Cofnas has faced criticism for promoting ideas about racial differences in his online writings, which observers characterize as pseudoscientific. An open letter signed by Oxford-based groups, academics, members of the public, and alumni contends that the event could foster a hostile atmosphere for minority students and harm Oriel’s standing as an institution, particularly given 2026 marks the 700th anniversary of the college’s royal charter.
Signatories argue that Cofnas’s blogging significantly influenced the media coverage surrounding Arday, who was described by Black studies professor Kehinde Andrews as the target of a “dedicated, coordinated smear campaign from the right.” Andrews characterized the planned event as “despicable and disgusting” following news of its organization.
Oriel College responded by affirming its commitment to both freedom of speech and creating an inclusive environment free from discrimination. The college stated it evaluates student society events according to its code of practice and noted that permitting an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of speakers’ views. The college emphasized consideration of security and safety concerns.
OURS defended its decision to host Cofnas, claiming the organization is a registered society with legal rights to hold such events. The group stated it remains committed to facilitating respectful dialogue and suggested the controversy should not reflect negatively on the university or its colleges.
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