Statement from Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor

A number of colleagues from around the University have been in touch to raise concerns about an answer I gave to a question about free speech at an event in London earlier this week. There has also been some reporting in the press, and a great deal of reaction on social media. I might have hoped that my track record over many years of speaking out against discrimination in all its forms would have answered some of those concerns, but I can see that I need to be crystal clear about where I stand. The University also wants to be sure that its commitment to tackling discrimination is not misunderstood. I therefore asked Rebecca Surender, PVC for Equality and Diversity, and Kevin Coutinho, the University's Head of Equality and Diversity, to set out the principles which guide us, the range of our shared efforts on this front, and the actions we take in support of them, which they do below. It is a matter of great regret to me that my words are being used to call into question this impressive, sustained endeavour to make Oxford a diverse and inclusive university. I am proud of everything we do in this regard and I give it, as I always have, my wholehearted support: Oxford's commitment to tackling discrimination The University is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and respects the dignity of all staff, students and visitors.