Portrait of Theresa May removed from Oxford University wall following student protest
2 min read
A portrait of Theresa May has been removed from a wall at Oxford University after protests by students.
The picture was hung at the university’s School of Geography and the Environment - where the Prime Minister studied - alongside other female alumnae.
Claire Hann, the school’s equality and diversity officer, said the aim was “to celebrate the successes of our women students and staff as much as those of men”.
But a campaign group called Not All Geographers said controversies over the Windrush scandal and Brexit meant Mrs May’s portrait should be taken down, and it was removed last night.
However, the university has insisted it was taken down because it was being "obscured" by messages - but will be re-instated.
A spokesman for 'Not All Geographers' told the Oxford University student newspaper Cherwell: “There was no consultation (at least with students) about the placing of Theresa May as one of the selected twelve larger portraits to celebrate women and Oxford geography (or the selection of photos for the wall).
“Clearly at a time when there are issues with the Windrush scandal and the handling of Brexit [she is] a contentious figure in a department with many EU citizens and decolonial scholars.“The main, and most basic, issue comes with the celebration of a sitting Prime Minister. Should a department align itself with the power of the day, when there are those who actively challenge it?
“It is unprecedented to celebrate state power in such a way (regardless of one’s political affiliation)."
A spokesperson for Oxford University has confirmed however that the institution will reinstate the picture, which was “being increasingly obscured by posters bearing mainly humorous satirical messages”.
“It has now been taken down and will be re-displayed so it can be seen as intended,” they said.
“Mrs May was included in a series of portraits to celebrate outstanding female graduates of the School of Geography and the Environment.
“We remain proud of her success and that of all the graduates celebrated in the display.”
A spokesman for the Prime Minister would not be drawn on the row.
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