CW: Sexual assault and rape
Oxford Union president Anita Okunde insisted she had no plans to resign in her first public statement since an indicative motion of no confidence was passed in her leadership. A crowd of over 100 assembled in the Union’s Goodman Library on Monday afternoon to hear the speech, with several others speaking in support of the president too.
Whilst the indicative motion passed by the Standing Committee (TSC) had no substantive effect, it was accompanied by a public letter signed by eleven members of TSC calling for a public apology and for the President to resign. The letter claimed that the president had abused her power by briefly banning ex-president Israr Khan from the buildings, a move which was later overturned.
The speech was initially set to be delivered in a meeting of Consultative Committee – the weekly meeting of all members of the Union – but this was postponed four minutes before it was scheduled to begin. Only one of those who signed a public letter expressing no confidence in the president was present in the room.
In her statement, Okunde said: “I have been deeply disheartened by the false narratives that have emerged around a matter I had always hoped would be handled privately and in good faith. As President, I made repeated offers to discuss the situation with the parties involved – in the evening, the morning before the Standing Committee, and immediately after the meeting.
“These offers were not taken up. It is unfortunate that we now find ourselves in a position where an issue that could have been resolved privately has become the subject of public discourse, not by choice but by circumstance.”
She went on to describe a “deeply disturbing” incident that she was informed had happened over the weekend. “I was told that a member of one of the Union’s committees – not the one in question today – was seen in a public bar violently stabbing a stuffed animal between the legs while saying it represented me.
“I have been in a state of shock ever since. But powered through whilst also managing physical pain and carrying out my responsibilities as President. Sadly, this is not the first time I or others have faced misogyny, threats, or discriminatory behaviour during my time at the Union.”
Following Okunde’s speech, multiple other individuals made statements in support of her, including ex-Treasurer Sarah Rana. She openly admitted that several people who were expressing no confidence were some of her “best friends”, but added: “I think it’s important that just because people are your friends, it doesn’t mean you don’t call them out when you think they’re wrong.”
Addressing the controversy over the banning of Israr Khan from the buildings, Okunde said she had apologised for the manner in which the move took place, but claimed that no apology was given in return.
On this, Khan told Cherwell: “It is very unfortunate that the President, instead of offering an apology for what she in private admits to have been wrong and an abuse of her power, on Monday put her ego before the interest of the Society.
“I am appalled by the President’s continued lies and refusal to take responsibility for her actions.”
After an extended round of applause in response to the president insisting she would not resign, she concluded her speech: “I remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all our members. I have listened carefully to the Standing Committee’s concerns at the last meeting and answered all questions asked of me in full.
“My focus now is on ensuring the smooth and responsible running of the remainder of term – and I intend to see that through.”
