Monday, May 19, 2025
Blog Page 157

Oxford hosts Sanctuary Fair for the first time

Jack Twyman
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Oxford hosts Sanctuary Fair for the first time

The Oxford Sanctuary Fair was hosted for the first time on Thursday 11th May in the Oxford Town Hall. 

It was organised by a collective team from the University of Oxford and its Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford-based Charity Asylum Welcome and Oxford City Council. The fair aimed to develop the City Council’s bid to become an accredited Local Authority of Sanctuary. In 2019 the council started this process by signing the City of Sanctuary Charter.

Nearly 20 organisations took part in the fair, ranging from the University’s own Career Service, to the Iraqi Women Art and War group, Sanctuary Wheels, the Diocese of Oxford, and the free tutor provider Jacari.

Panel sessions were also provided with speakers from the city’s student and local community alike, discussing  topics around ‘making sanctuary a reality’, the politics of refugees, community, education, homes, faith and campaigning. 

Also provided were workshops aiming to develop the skill set of the members of the organisations present and the wider Oxford community. These touched on contemporary advocacy, career pathways within the refugee support sector, democracy when building a sanctuary city and how the arts can amplify the voices of those displaced.

Hannah Ling, Social Justice Adviser to the Diocese of Oxford said “It’s really great to be here at the sanctuary fair sharing about how people can get involved with local volunteering with churches from supporting English language classes for refugees and asylum seekers, or helping support people in asylum hotels.

“It’s been really great to connect with local people and give them information about what we’re doing, but also to be surrounded by a whole bunch of people doing amazing work in this area and feeling like together we can really make a difference”.

The fair gave students the opportunity to get involved further in refugee affairs. The Keep Campsfield Closed Campaign had strong student engagement, with one member of the campaign saying student support is vital to its success as the University has real, significant power in the town and concerning the future of the Detention centre only 5km away. While Layla Moran, a former refugee and Liberal Democrat MP has been vocal on the issue, Oxford East Labour MP Annelies Dodds has been “less enthusiastic”, as one campaign member noted. 

There was also ample opportunity for JCRs and MCRs to get involved, from ‘Sanctuary Wheels’ requesting more bike donations to enable transport provisions for new arrivals, the careers service’s human rights workshop projects, and many volunteering opportunities for language teaching, tutoring and hosting.

Juliet Van Gyseghem, President of the Student Action for Refugees (STAR) organisation, told Cherwell that “The timing [of the fair] could not be more ideal [as] it was held only a day after the Oxford got University of Sanctuary status”. She made clear that “For us in STAR, a newly re-started student group, we were able to connect with individuals and organisations who are actively working to make Oxford a more welcoming and inclusive space”. 

In the future STAR hopes “to be a driving force amongst students to encourage engagement with the local community”. Van Gysemhem believes that “As students we have an obligation to combat harmful rhetoric and policy. In STAR Oxford, we aim to do this through a combination of advocacy, campaigning, and volunteering. We welcome anyone to get involved. You can follow us on instagram @oxforduni.star” 

The international spirit of the Sanctuary fair was a particular source of satisfaction for those organising the event, with speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds. Participants ranged from a Canadian-Somali city councilman speaking about his experience making his city more welcoming to refugees, a Chinese masters student who volunteers locally with refugees, and an Albanian speaker who impressed the reality of life as a young girl being potentially trafficked – specifically “to trydown this assumption that Albanians are here as economic migrants”. Speakers from Ukraine, Eritrea and Sundan were also present. 

Director of Asylum Welcome Mark Goldring believes the event has been a success. “Asylum Welcome helped organise the event because we wanted to help both the University and the city on their journey to be official places of sanctuary. That required them to develop plans to try and become much more inclusive organisations, and today has got that started well. 

“We’ve looked at the politics, we’re looking at some of the practicalities, we have refugees speaking for themselves, discussions on next steps, so it is only the beginning of something, but it is a positive step. And having the University be able to announce this morning that they’ve got that official status is a great step forward”, he continued.

When asking what events were on offer at the fair, Goldring responded, saying that “Today has been a combination of presentations to the whole group, but just as importantly there’s about 20 stalls, so students and citizens can all learn about what they can contribute and what they can do. So, it’s a combination of understanding more and practical actions.”

Regarding whether or not the Sanctuary Fair is set to become an annual event, Goldring stated that while the 2023 Fair would likely not repeat on a regular basis, “that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be student events and there shouldn’t be planning activities. Our aim is to do more to get refugee voices into the planning process, and that’s not necessarily achieved by big events because everyone speaks different languages [and come from] different backgrounds”.Instead, according to Goldring “its far better to say ‘what do we do to improve transport for refugees, what can we do to help them thrive in the school system,[and] how do they get better access to University’. It’s more thematic than the big set-piece.”

Why I was ready for Ramadan to end

Cherwell Life
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Why I was ready for Ramadan to end

Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset, and where all possible distractions – such as music, excess entertainment, food, and drink – should be removed to focus on what is most important: one’s relationship with God. Not only is Ramadan often heralded as the best time of the year for Muslims, it is also one of the few parts widely acknowledged by non-Muslims. It must be emphasised, however, that the month of Ramadan should not be limited to a one-size-fits-all experience.

I sit here writing this midway through the 22nd day of fasting, exhausted and unmotivated. For most Muslims, the ability to connect with God during this holy time is highly appealing. But in my experience, fasting without this underlying motivation is just starving yourself. Being raised within Islam but equally having spent my life in the UK, I have struggled with my faith many times before, but never so much as in the lead up to this year’s Ramadan. It’s almost exclusionary seeing everyone’s excitement for the month as they decorate the houses and plan hosting the evening meal for the family while I feel no connection to it at all. I’ve struggled to keep up with my prayers, or read any Qur’an at all. Dedicating any time to Islam is starting to feel futile. Perhaps selfishly, I wait for a time where people’s faith is less overt, and people expect the overtness of your faith less too. I can’t help but feel like a fraud whenever I participate in any aspect of Ramadan, yet a failure whenever I don’t.

Practising Muslims often describe their religion as a lifestyle rather than a practice. Never is this clearer than within the month of Ramadan, and the subsequent holiday of Eid. As Ramadan rolls on, Muslims heighten their practice of Islam and integrate their belief into the very fabric of their lives. Any participation in Ramadan on my part lacks such belief and commitment; it’s almost as if I’m lying. 

It feels ludicrous to fast and take part in other acts of worship when my connection to faith is merely familial. Not participating, however, is somehow equally problematic. If a Muslim doesn’t engage with Ramadan, then it is clear to all – believers and non-believers alike – that they are ‘failing’ in their faith. Dealing with the strength of your belief is an extremely personal experience, and Ramadan brings everyone’s individual faith to the forefront of public consciousness. 

There was no greater shame, for me, than to have people realise that something I had begun to dedicate my life to no longer held such significance. Ramadan only intensified these feelings of failure. Moreover, the comparison between previous years’ Ramadan and this years’ was too distinct a loss. The anticipation and love I felt for this month has diminished and instead is comparable to a chore. Having such an intense experience of loss and failure made apparent to both family and friends made this Ramadan unbearable, and I yearned for its end the way I had previously anticipated its arrival.

Despite this, there is much I love about Ramadan, such as the practice of giving plenty of charity, or making more of an effort with family and friends. Cooking for people is something I enjoy immensely, and it is only appreciated more within this month. But a core tenet of Ramadan is seeking to develop one’s faith, something I haven’t done and do not particularly desire to do. As a result, I have found that this month can feel rather lonely. And this is only my experience; I do not begin to explore the experiences of people with no family or no Islamic community around them, or people with eating disorders who may struggle more during this month, for example.

Oddly, there is a greater popular awareness of religious denominations and variations within the two other Abrahamic faiths. The sects of Islam, however, are less acknowledged. This can mean that the nuances of Islamic life are lost in public perception, and a simplified understanding of Muslims and their beliefs are generally held. Ramadan is a personal journey, so the experience of one person will likely never be the same as the experience of another. I understand that many people had a wonderful month in terms of worship and self-betterment, and I wish them a blessed Ramadan and Eid. However, I personally could not wait for it to end so that constantly maintaining a façade of piety and faith would end with it. As awareness of Islamic practices grows, it is important to realise that the experiences of Muslims are as diverse and varied as the number of people within the faith itself, and that Ramadan is not only a physical struggle, but also a spiritual one.

OUCA President removed in contested ruling

Freya Jones
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OUCA President removed in contested ruling

Editors’ Note: This article has been updated following developments at the end of Trinity Term 2023. See the more recent article “OUCA election in chaos as ousted president clashes with committee” for the full updates.

Oxford University Conservative Association (OUCA)’s Disciplinary Committee removed Caleb van Ryneveld as President after an 18-hour hearing found him guilty of multiple rule infringements. This decision was then annulled by the Senior Member (a University faculty member).

The DC met to assess charges against van Ryneveld on 17th May, after his temporary suspension as President earlier in the week. The judgement issued at 4am the following morning, subsequently held that that he had infringed three of the Association’s rules and standing orders, Rule 5(1)(a)(i), Rule 5(1)(a)(ii), and Rule 5(1)(a)(iv). 

This means van Ryneveld was found to have “engaged in a course of behaviour which may serve to bring the Association into disrepute or to undermine any of its objectives”, and that he “substantially failed in his obligation as President” to uphold the Association’s rules. The DC also found that van Ryneveld had verbally abused a member of committee.

Senior Member Dr Marie Kawthar Daouda then issued a review to reinstate Van Ryneveld, stating: “The sentence against Mr Van Ryneveld is hereby annulled by decree of the Senior Member until further discussion is possible. Mr Van Ryneveld will resume his position and duties as President.”

However, the individuals in the DC have contested this decree, raising concerns about the Senior Member’s understanding and implementation of the Association’s rules.

Van Ryneveld told Cherwell: “The charges against me to the Disciplinary Committee were politically motivated and comprehensively untrue. The process of the Disciplinary Committee disregarded principles of natural justice.”

This comes after van Ryneveld faced controversy over his proposals to reform the OUCA constitution. In an email to OUCA members on Monday, he described Jake Dibden’s accession as the Association’s Returning Officer as a “crisis” which “reflects the more serious ongoing issue that key offices in OUCA have been determined in secret”.

OUCA said that Dibden was elected “in accordance with the rules and standing orders” at 8pm on Sunday, 7th May by a vote of the Disciplinary Committee. However, van Ryneveld did not support him as RO and used his appointment as grounds to try and change the Association’s Rules more broadly.

Van Ryneveld also alleged that the Secretary had called a motion of no confidence in him, but the DC found this to be untrue. Today, the Association clarified: “In the email which Mr van Ryneveld sent to the mailing list on Friday 12th May, he mentioned a Vote of No Confidence … Mr van Ryneveld could provide no satisfying evidence of such a Vote of No Confidence ever having been brought.”

As well as being formally removed from office, van Ryneveld’s membership of OUCA has been suspended until the end of term on Sunday 18th June.

Van Ryneveld said: “Under the Standard Form Constitution required for all registered student societies at Oxford, the President may only be removed by a vote at a General Meeting of the membership. The Disciplinary Committee has wilfully ignored this … I intend to exercise my right under the OUCA Constitution to appeal this decision to our Senior Member and, if necessary, to the Proctors of the University.”

OUCA told Cherwell: “with regards to further comment on the disciplinary proceedings, unfortunately, we are bound by our constitution not to make anything more public until after council tomorrow so we cannot offer comment.” A spokesperson added, “as to the legitimacy of the DC, I would emphasise that the process took 18 hours, and included a large number of witnesses to insure all parties were given ample opportunity to make their case. It followed the provisions set out in the rules and standing orders and longstanding OUCA precedent”.

Peter Walker will take over as Acting President of the Association, and said in an email to OUCA members that he looks forward to partaking in the rest of “what promises (sic) a very successful term”.

The Need for Greed: has F1 gone too far and put its integrity at the back of the pack?

Caitlin Morgan
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The Need for Greed: has F1 gone too far and put its integrity at the back of the pack?

We are now five races into the 2023 F1 season, and despite continued Red Bull dominance, we have seen plenty of changes on and off the track. The Miami Grand Prix debuted a new feature of the increasingly long pre-race fanfare, with the drivers being introduced by LL Cool-J to the crowds. Each driver was hailed as some form of ‘the most exciting driver on the grid’ while walking out of jets of smoke to pom-pommed cheerleaders. Opinion is divided over the merits of this sort of segment: while Hamilton has voiced his support, others like Norris and Verstappen have suggested they are less eager and find it awkward. And when watching, that isn’t too hard to tell.

The high-up bosses and decision-makers of Formula 1 are keenly aware of the influx of fans in recent years and are eager to keep expanding and cater to this new generation. A large aspect of this seems to be a push to ramp up the entertainment and ‘show’ factor of the weekend. This is seen particularly in America, where there are now 3 races this season, with Miami being introduced last year and Las Vegas new for this year; the newer races lend themselves more to experimentation with the format, without upsetting the traditionalists. F1 has been trying to ‘break America’ for years, and largely thanks to Drive to Survive, now you could say it has. Moreover, the relatively new owners of F1, Liberty Media, are themselves America and the cynic might well detect a heavy dose of Americanisation behind recent developments both on and off track.

Pageantry is nothing new for Formula 1, but in recent years it seems that there has been a shift towards increasing the celebrity of all the drivers. Certainly, social media has made this easier, but there is a marked and concerted impetus from teams to commercialise and commodify their drivers. This is not necessarily a bad thing – human interest and drama are an important part of most sport, and helps people get invested on a personal level. People loved Drive to Survive so much because it provided this aspect of the sport, which is – for many – undeniably gripping and enjoyable. Nevertheless, the pressure on drivers to be public personalities seems greater than ever.

Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the fate of Daniel Ricciardo. Once the darling of the paddock, magnetic and charming, he seemed a real contender for a future title with Red Bull. Enter Max Verstappen, and exit Danny Ric. A series of optimistic but unsuccessful team changes later, the

Australian found himself seatless for the 2023 season. That is until the unthinkable happened, and his return to Red Bull was announced – but as a reserve or ‘third’ driver. Fans were thrilled at the prospect of a return to his glory days, but Christian Horner made explicit the clinical reality that it was, in short, a personality hire. They recognised his incredible PR potential and realised that perhaps this is what was needed to patch up the team’s toxic reputation.

More universally, the desire for drama and excitement in the race itself has led to some decisions which were at best controversial and at worst outright condemned by drivers and fans alike. I don’t even need to say more than Abu Dhabi for people to offer their passionately held opinions. But perhaps even more concerningly, Spa 2021 demonstrated the subservience of safety to spectacle, when lives were arguably recklessly and even knowingly endangered (more than usual) in undrivable conditions. Vettel’s warnings being quickly followed by Norris’ huge crash was like a scene out of a tragedy; the wise tragic warning was ignored, and it was lucky the consequent disaster wasn’t of the kind seen in other races in Spa over the years. On the opposite end of the scale, some would argue that over several years – despite Massi’s departure – there have been increased instances of yellow and red flags when perhaps they are not obviously needed, with the hope of some restart drama. Add in the still-developing vision of sprint races, which seem sometimes just another opportunity for drivers to ruin their cars before Raceday at vast expense, and you begin to wonder if multiple crashes a weekend is actually all they’re really looking for.

Perhaps the problem here lies in the ‘boring’ nature of some tracks, which are not only more difficult to overtake on, but are also shadowed by successive eras of Mercedes and Red Bull dominance. A variety of track styles and conditions are integral to the format of the sport. Nevertheless, there are some tracks which are staples of the calendar being eyed up for removal: those in charge argue they haven’t been as exciting in recent years, while many in the community believe it would be an outrage to remove tracks of such historic significance. Thus, the traditionalists find fault in the changemakers, and vice versa, as it ever was. It is difficult to think of a sport which redefines itself as keenly and consistently as Formula 1 does currently, but perhaps this is the secret to its enduring allure and renown. A compromise between maintaining the integrity of the sport itself, and attracting and entertaining an ever-growing audience must be found.

Image Credit: Meghana Geetha

Review of Christ Church governance recommends major reforms

Maggie Wilcox
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Review of Christ Church governance recommends major reforms

Following the completion of an independent review, Dominic Grieve KC has issued a report to Christ Church’s Governing Body which includes recommendations to separate governance of the college and the cathedral. For the first time in the college’s nearly 500-year history, the Review suggests that the Head of House does not need to be a member of the clergy.

The Review also comes after multiple incidents related to governors and the governance of the college. These include warnings from the Charity Commision and a 2019 Financial Times investigation that claimed Christ Church was “virtually ungovernable” due to the dispute between the Governing Body and the Dean. According to Christ Church, the Review was commissioned in June 2022 “to ensure that Christ Church’s governance meets the needs of a University of Oxford college in the 21st century”.

Grieve, the former Attorney General for England and Wales, has made “substantial” recommendations “that Christ Church can make to ensure its structures meet the demands of modern standards of governance”. Notably, the Review concluded that the Head of House or head of the college does not need to be a member of the clergy, giving the Governing Body the opportunity to “choose from a wider pool of candidates”. This new Head of House would be appointed on a renewable and written fixed-term contract. The Review recommends the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral cease to be the head of the Foundation and thus will no longer be the leader of both the Cathedral and college. A new Committee of Chapter has also been suggested to help run the Cathedral.

These two recommendations, if implemented, would create two separate posts for the leadership of the College and the Cathedral for the first time in Christ Church’s history. Christ Church was originally founded by Henry VIII in 1546 as a joint cathedral and college, making it the only academic institution in the world which is also a cathedral. Grieve acknowledges the magnitude of the recommendations stating that they “would represent the first fundamental changes to its governance structure since 1867”. He added that while completing the Review it became evident “that significant reform is necessary at Christ Church, and that it would be widely welcomed”.

Other recommendations of the Review include the creation of a smaller Governing Council that would meet more regularly than the current Governing Body. The Review also underscores that “reforms to the disciplinary and grievance arrangements” are needed. 

The Dean Designate of Christ Church, Professor Sarah Foot thanked Grieve for his “meticulous, thoughtful, and constructive work over the last year” his “important recommendations”, and told Cherwell that “this vital process will lay firm foundations for the future as we approach the 500th anniversary of Christ Church’s foundation”.

The recommendations will now be considered by Christ Church’s Governing Body. The process of implementing subsequent changes will require consultation with the University, the Church of England, the Charity Commission, and the approval of the Privy Council and Parliament. 

The Review can be read in full here:

https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/news/house/christ-church-publishes-independent-governance-review-dominic-grieve-kc

Graduate scholarship for lower caste Indian students launched

Maggie Wilcox
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Graduate scholarship for lower caste Indian students launched

The Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) at Somerville College is launching a new scholarship for Indian students from lower caste backgrounds and/or first-generation students. This is the UK’s first fully-funded graduate scholarship geared towards Indian students from these underrepresented backgrounds. 

According to a tweet from the OICSD, the scholarship will “support the next generation of leaders from Dalit, Adivasi and other underrepresented background”. The college and the OICSD established this scholarship in recognition of “the effects of historic and current caste-based discrimination and prejudice including household poverty and lack of opportunity as well as lack of information, advice and careers guidance in multiple spaces.” The Phule Scholar will participate in the centre’s academic and leadership workshops and receive access to the OICSD’s large alumni network.

The scholarship is “inspired by the pioneering work eradicating gender and caste barriers to education” of Savitrabi Phule, a nineteenth century social reformer and education activist. The 2023 Phule scholar will be part of the wider cohort of OICSD scholars. 

The OICSD is a research hub that focuses on issues like climate change and healthcare. Launched in 2013 through a partnership between the Government of India and the University of Oxford, the centre honours Somerville College’s “strong links with India by supporting a community of Indian students who would otherwise not be able to take up their place at the University”. The OICSD aims to facilitate “engagement across sectors on sustainable development issues with India, UK and beyond” and its alumni include numerous leaders in sustainability and development in India

Jan Royall, Principal of Somerville College explains that Somerville’s “motto of including the excluded extends to people who have been subject to generations of social discrimination and prejudice under the caste system, and it is thrilling to think that these scholarships will offer brilliant young people from these under-represented groups a platform by which to change the world”. 

The inaugural Phule scholar will be Niharika Singh, who will study who will take an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance programme at the School of Geography and the Environment, starting in October 2023. Singh expressed her gratitude towards the University and the OICSD, adding “the opportunity will immensely support my larger goals of contributing in inclusive community development,”. 

Singh hopes to represent the Dalit community and “bridge the gap between environmental stability and caste marginality in India”. She underscores that “Dalits in India are invisible from the broader discourse of the environment as issues concerning accessibility to natural resources, discrimination and multidimensional vulnerabilities are largely unaddressed in the current environmental policy and discourse in India.”

Oxford’s Rugby League Glory

Jessica Cullen
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Oxford’s Rugby League Glory

This Saturday saw the Women’s Rugby League Blues team defeat Cambridge in their second Varsity since reinstating the club in 2022. The Varsity season had been a mixed bag for the Oxford University Rugby League Club so far, as the Men’s 2s team pulled off an impressive and convincing victory yet the 1s narrowly lost 14-12. Not only did the women’s team have the title-calling pressure on this match, but they also wanted to continue their run of fantastic form after winning the BUCS Club of the Year award for last year’s season; pressure was certainly on.

The day began with the Old Boy’s match, bringing fans down to Iffley Road stadium in their masses, assuring that the support base was already there for the women’s game. It was a warm sunny day with food and drinks flowing freely, and Oxford had a considerable home team advantage, setting a comfortable scene for the match to come.

Straight from the kick-off Oxford were strong, aggressive, and clearly the better team. This strong start was quickly awarded with Tolu Atilola scoring the first try in two minutes, promising of her performance to come. Oxford dominated, playing silky passes across the pitch, putting in powerful tackles and clearly knew rugby league inside out, as they were careful and tactical in the six-tackle movements. Cambridge got a try back, but Rachel Hewitt began her hattrick game soon after, breaking through the back line with impressive strength. She followed this with another try, catching a clever silky kick forward by Iona Ffrench-Adam. When the whistle blew the score was 14-4, and Oxford went into the changing room confident in their performance.

The second half only saw Oxford dominate even further, working as a dynamic unit to delay the Cambridge attack and push the play backwards, and they were a force to be reckoned with when charging forward. Hewitt continued her incredible performance in the 55th minute, pushing over the line once more, and Iona Ffrench-Adam put her conversion through the posts. This half saw more injuries for both sides, calling the medics on a fair few times, and even saw the Oxford medic almost get involved in a tackle trying when treating a player. Although Cambridge had force and some great performances by Bryher Smith and Nancy Twigg, the number 9 and 1 respectively, they simply couldn’t break down the Oxford cohesive defence, even when a few metres out. Atilola finished Cambridge off in a moment of perfect symmetry to bring the final score to 24-4 in Oxford’s favour.

It was overall a very successful day on the pitch for the girls, and a generally enjoyable game to watch. The communal atmosphere the Rugby League club encouraged in the stands and all over the pitch was fantastic to watch. The president was on hand to run water bottles onto the pitch and lead chants from the stands. The roar from the crowd after every try was nearly deafening, and every onlooker was clearly invested in the game. It was almost emotional to see the girls being clapped out of the changing rooms through a manmade tunnel in both halves, as was the celebration at the end, clearly a whole club affair as they piled on top of one another. A brilliant game of rugby made for a successful and enjoyable day, and OURL set an example for all Oxford clubs on how to have a successful Varsity fixture.

Image Credit: Jessica Cullen

Oxford is third highest CO2 emitter of all UK Universities, says new study.

Hugo Harvey
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Oxford is third highest CO2 emitter of all UK Universities, says new study.

The University of Oxford has the third largest carbon footprint of all universities in the United Kingdom, according to a new study by Utility Bidder. Their calculations reveal that Oxford University emits an estimated 1.7 million tonnes of carbon for every 1,000 students, the third highest of any institution. It is outranked only by Imperial College London and Cranfield University.

By plotting the data of the total carbon emissions against the total number of students, Utility Bidder was able to build a scale that ranked each university’s carbon footprint proportional to the size of their student population. Utility Bidder also broke down the rankings into sub-fields of carbon emissions, which revealed that Oxford University was also in the top three biggest emitters of carbon related to business travel.

Oxford Brookes University, although not in the top ten for total carbon emissions, produced more waste-related carbon emissions than any other university in the United Kingdom.

These figures do not reflect the initiatives that have already been put in place to curb emissions. Under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, launched in 2021, Oxford University has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2035, reducing emissions by more than a quarter of a million tonnes each year. Oxford Brookes University, in an effort to reduce its high ‘waste’ emissions, has devised a reduction strategy that aims, amongst other things, to achieve a ninety-percent recycling rate.

A spokesperson from Oxford University told Cherwell: ‘The University takes its environmental responsibility seriously and is committed to reaching net zero carbon and biodiversity net gain by 2035. In order to achieve these goals, the University has established the Oxford Sustainability Fund with an income of more than £5m a year and a revolving capital investment fund of £50m.  The University’s carbon emissions have been on a downwards trend since 2010, despite a large expansion in the size of the University estate, partly driven by the installation of over 2,000 solar panels, combined heat and power (CHP) and ground source heat pumps. 

‘Sustainable principles are incorporated into the design of all new buildings, and we are working to reduce the environmental impact of our activities further, for example collaborating with laboratories across the University to reduce their energy use and emissions by replacing old, inefficient equipment.”

Oxford Student Union argues that Oxford University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy does not cover colleges because of the federal system. There are some issues where the gap between university policy and college policy is significant. In the matter of fossil fuel divestment, for instance, the university has committed to moving its investments out of fossil fuel companies, but many colleges have not followed suit.

Oxford to remove Sackler name from buildings and faculty positions

Jakub Trybull
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Oxford to remove Sackler name from buildings and faculty positions

The University of Oxford has decided that it will remove ties to the Sackler family, following an internal review. The announcement involves a range of changes to the names of University buildings, spaces, and staff positions that currently operate under the Sackler name.

The Sackler family owns Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company which played a role in the US opioid epidemic which killed over 500,000 Americans alone since 1999, according to Bloomberg News. OxyContin, a prescription painkiller and opioid introduced and heavily promoted by Purdue Pharma, had many side effects including potenital for misuse resulting in addiction, overdose and death.

Since 1991, the University has received over £11 million in donations from the Sacklers’ trusts and from the family themselves. These funds went towards building the Sackler library and  funding the Sackler Keeper of Antiquities at the Ashmolean.

Whilst the University states that it has not received any donations since January 2019, all the donations received will be ‘retained for their intended educational purposes’,  according to a Univeristy spokesperson.

The University has previously denied reconsidering renaming the buildings supported by the Sackler funds, even after the SU had submitted a motion to lobby for the changes.

In a statement, the University states that it will remove the Sackler name from Sackler Rome Gallery (Ashmolean Museum), Sackler Gallery of Life after Death in Ancient Egypt (Ashmolean Museum), Sackler Keeper of Antiquities (Ashmolean Museum), Sackler Learning Officer (Ashmolean Museum) Sackler Library, which will now become the Bodleian Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library Sackler-Clarendon Associate Professorship of Sedimentary Geology.

The decision was approved by the Univeristy Council at a meeting on May 15 2023 and has ‘the full support of the Sackler family’.
The Sackler name will be retained on the Clarendon Arch and Ashmolean Museum’s donor board.

The Times apologises to Magdalen President for “incorrect” reporting

Maggie Wilcox
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The Times apologises to Magdalen President for “incorrect” reporting

Dinah Rose KC received an apology in an open court and damage payments from The Times. On 21 November 2022, the paper erroneously suggested that Rose, the Magdalen president, had been “ruled against for recklessness by the Bar Standards Board”.

Rose tweeted on Tuesday, 16 May that The Times and its legal editor would apologise to her in court on the same day for “the libel they published about me last November”, relating to her participation in a case opposing same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands. The newspaper had previously reported that the Bar Standards Board had told a Caribbean LGBT rights group that Rose’s interpretation of legal rules “might possibly amount to evidence of recklessness”.

Rose had claimed that her professional obligations required her to take on representation of the Cayman Islands government in the Privy Council case under the “cab rank” rule. Although her participation in the case came under fire, including from students here in Oxford and from the Oxford LGBTQ+ Society, many lawyers, including the appellants in the Cayman Islands case, sided with Rose.

The Times removed their original story after the Bar Standards Board issued a clarifying statement on 22 November, 2022. They also issued an official apology online early Tuesday morning, where they admit their original reporting was “incorrect”. The Times continued: “The Board made no ruling against her and found no evidence of recklessness. We accept that under the constitutional principles which she cited, the Bar rules did not allow her to refuse a brief for the Cayman Islands government in a case concerning the right to same sex-marriage. The article was therefore misleading. We apologise to Ms Rose for the distress caused, and have agreed to pay her substantial damages and legal costs.”

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