Oxford disowns its student Tories in racist joke row
September 1, 2009 2:16 PM
By Jessica Shepherd in Guardian on-line, www.guardian.co.uk
By Jessica Shepherd in Guardian on-line, www.guardian.co.uk
Conservative Association told to change its name after an alcohol-fuelled evening at Oxford University when racist jokes were told.
Oxford University has disowned its students' Conservative Association after a race row.
The university demanded Oxford University Conservative Association change its name and has prevented it from recruiting new members at the start of term next month.
Its decision comes after an investigation into the society's alcohol-fuelled "hustings" night, where potential candidates make speeches to get elected for roles such as president of the association.
The society allegedly asked candidates at the event in June for "the most inappropriate joke you have ever told".
Nick Gallagher, the association's publications officer, admitted reading out one candidate's joke but said he had not "intended it in that way, and it is to my regret the association has been dragged into this".
Michael Howard, the former Conservative party leader, subsequently turned down an invitation to speak to the association. Two students were suspended from the association and another is thought to have resigned.
The association, which has 700 members and holds "Port and Policy" evenings on Sundays, has Margaret Thatcher as its patron and William Hague as its honorary president.
A spokesman from Oxford University said: "Following an investigation about complaints of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by members of the Oxford University Conservative Association, the university has taken the decision to withdraw the university name from the association and withdraw its right to appear at the Freshers' Fair for the coming academic year.
"The university would like to reiterate that this behaviour does not reflect the way the overwhelming majority of our students think or behave, and the individuals concerned have resigned from the association.
"The university strongly condemns any form of racism and discrimination and reaffirms its commitment to promoting good race relations."
Although the university has cut ties with the group members can re-apply for its affiliation.
But the society must demonstrate "improved conduct over a period of time" before it can apply to get its name back.
The association, founded in 1924, is one of the oldest and largest student political organisations in the country.