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In response, the Education Secretary has decried the cancellation as “absurd.” The students voted to remove the queen’s portrait as a symbol that, “represents recent colonial history.”
According to the Daily Mail, “A student committee will now explore replacing the portrait with art by or of other influential and inspirational people.” From here on out any pictures of the royals meant to be hung on the wall will be subject to an approval vote.
Oxford University Cancels The Queen
The students insisted that their action, “did not equate to a statement on the Queen,” but they were trying to create, “a welcoming, neutral place for all members regardless of background, demographic, or views.”
In addition to the Education Secretary, Twitter users slammed the students’ behavior. The reaction was so swift that the president of Magdalen College felt it necessary to immediately try and distance the school from the heat generated by the students who made the decision to welcome all by banning some.
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For his part, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said, “Oxford University students removing a picture of the Queen is simply absurd. She is the Head of State and a symbol of what is best about the UK. During her long reign, she has worked tirelessly to promote British values of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect around the world.”
Some Students Have Banned The Queen Of Their Home Country
One Twitter user agreed writing: “The Queen was a pioneer of anti-racism in an era of widespread segregation and apartheid. Imagine trying to cancel the reigning monarch.”
Another posted, “In an era where debates on no-platforming and cancel culture rage strong, effectively ”canceling” the Queen and brandishing her as a symbol of colonialism – so often used as a synonym for racism – sends a dire message that is sure to enrage. Moreover, it is culturally insensitive for a common room so heavily comprised of international students to seek to remove a national symbol from a British institution.”
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Perhaps feeling the backlash of her student’s brash action, Dinah Rose, president of Magdalen College quickly put out a statement saying that “the students were not representative of the college, but supported their right to free speech and political debate.”
She added that the students don’t represent the College, although their tuition-paying parents would probably argue otherwise.
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Absurd! I read that the instigating student is American. What is the world coming to?
When will this nonsense end. Oh, that’s right, never. Snowball down hill will only get bigger and more dangerous.
Put her.picture back up. These damn kids need an education in History.
Who owns the building? If it is funded by the government or crown then they decide what should be on display in common areas. If it is funded owned by another situation like a private school then whoever owns/run the establishment decide. For example a school/college funded or to honour Nelson Mandela should have his portrait and memorabilia etc. You wouldn't go to a Christian or Muslim school and expect to start dictating changing things. If a student rents a room then they should be permitted to hang what they like in their rented space. If school/college/university spaces are not appreciated by certain individuals they can go sit in their rooms, parks or coffee shops. If the university or college does not esthetically or otherwise please potential students then they should seek their education elsewhere. I am sure there are many potential students who would be grateful for a place at a good college or university so let those who will appreciate their place be accepted as a student. If we start blaming the Queen for things her ancestors did then doesn't that mean anyone who's grandparents did something horrible like own slaves should also be held responsible. If two children born of a slave owner one black and one white, is only the white one accountable? Neither should be accountable. A person should only be responsible for their own choices good or bad we can't change or live someone else's life especially someone who died hundreds of years ago.