The Campus Review
November 4, 2026
Oxford University has defended its position on a planned event featuring academic Nathan Cofnas at Oriel College on November 17, 2026. The Nathan Cofnas event, organised by the Oxon Universities’ Reform Society (OURS), has faced calls for cancellation from MPs, academics and anti-racism campaigners over Cofnas’s statements on race and DEI.
On November 3, Chief Diversity Officer Tim Soutphommasane reaffirmed the university’s commitment to free speech while stating that discrimination is not permitted. Oriel College also clarified that hosting a speaker does not mean endorsing their views.
Key Facts About the Nathan Cofnas Oxford Event
| Detail | Information |
| Event | An Evening with Nathan Cofnas: Is DEI Undermining Higher Education? |
| Speaker | Nathan Cofnas |
| Organiser | Oxon Universities’ Reform Society (OURS) |
| Date | November 17, 2026 |
| Time | 6 pm to 7:30 pm GMT |
| Venue | Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College, Oxford |
| University response | Reaffirmed freedom of speech and student welfare commitments |
| Opposition | MPs, academics, student groups and anti-racism campaigners |
Why Is the Nathan Cofnas Oxford Event Facing Criticism?
The controversy centres on Cofnas’s writings and public statements about race, intelligence and DEI.
Cofnas previously held a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. Emmanuel College later ended its association with him in 2024 following controversy over his writings on race and DEI.
He joined Ghent University in Belgium in February 2026.
In August 2026, Ghent temporarily suspended Cofnas while investigating his public statements about the late Cambridge professor Jason Arday. On August 28, the university allowed him to resume some academic work remotely, without teaching responsibilities, while the investigation continued.
The controversy also involved allegations concerning Arday’s academic work. Arday denied plagiarism allegations but acknowledged mistakes in his work.
Why Are Campaigners Opposing the Nathan Cofnas Event?
Critics argue that inviting Cofnas gives a university platform to views they consider racist and discriminatory.
An open letter published by Stand Up to Racism on October 30 called on Oriel College to cancel the Nathan Cofnas event.
The letter received support from:
- MPs Diane Abbott, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Jeremy Corbyn, Dawn Butler and Nadia Whittome.
- Public figures including Zawe Ashton, Beverley Knight and Afua Hirsch.
- Academics, trade unions and student societies.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy argued that “Academic freedom is no excuse for giving scientific racism a platform. I urge Oriel College to cancel this event and listen to the Black students and staff whose concerns deserve to be taken seriously.”
Stand Up to Racism has also announced a counter-demonstration at Oriel Square on November 17 at 5 pm GMT, one hour before the scheduled event.
How Oriel College and Oxford University Responded
Oriel College and Oxford University have addressed the controversy separately. Both have referred to freedom of speech and their responsibilities towards students and staff.
Oriel College’s Statement
Oriel College stated on October 26, defending its approach to freedom of speech and inclusion.
The college said it is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment, including racial discrimination.
It also explained that events booked by committee members of registered societies are considered under its code of practice.
Oriel clarified that allowing an event to take place does not mean it supports or endorses the speaker’s views. The college also considers security requirements and the safety of its members when reviewing events.
Oxford University’s November 3 Statement
On November 3, Oxford University’s Chief Diversity Officer, Tim Soutphommasane, acknowledged concerns raised by students and staff about their safety and welfare.
He reaffirmed the university’s legal responsibility to protect freedom of speech within the law.
However, he also clarified that freedom of speech does not give anyone permission to discriminate against or target groups.
Soutphommasane stated:
“Properly understood, free speech doesn’t mean licence for any discrimination or targeting of groups. It’s about intellectual challenge, open inquiry and healthy disagreement.”
Oxford’s statement also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling racism and protecting the safety and welfare of its community.
The university did not ask Oriel College to cancel the event or direct it to proceed. Individual colleges have their own codes and responsibilities when considering events on their premises.
What Happens Next?
The Nathan Cofnas event remains scheduled for November 17, 2026, at Oriel College. Cofnas, who accused academic Jason Arday of plagiarism, is facing calls from MPs, academics and campaigners to be barred from speaking.
A planned counter-demonstration and continuing criticism are likely to keep the event under public scrutiny.
Oxford University has reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and inclusion, while the final decision on the event remains with Oriel College under its own procedures.
Pranjal Kharche
