The College is deeply concerned by matters reported about one of its current students, is treating them seriously and is taking action. The College condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred. Its support for freedom of speech does not extend to any statements including such language. The following statements made on behalf of both the University and the College are appended below. Support is available to all students and staff affected.
Statement — Wednesday 15 October 2025 (updated 16 October)
An Oxford University student was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday 15 October.
While the University cannot comment on individual student cases, it has the power to take immediate and proportionate action including, as appropriate, suspending a student from membership of the University, whenever serious concerns are raised.
Oxford University is unequivocal: there is no place for hatred, antisemitism or discrimination within our community, and we will always act to protect the safety and dignity of our students.
Statement — Monday 13 October 2025
The University of Oxford condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred. The University’s support for freedom of speech does not extend to any statements including such language.
When such language is reported, we will always want to speak to the student concerned, and consider the matter under our disciplinary procedures in line with University and college policies.
Oxford is unequivocal: there is no place for antisemitism, harassment, or discrimination within our community. We remain firmly committed to protecting the safety and dignity of all our students and staff.
The University has taken a number of actions in recent months, in collaboration with Jewish students and staff, to strengthen our approach to tackling antisemitism and fostering an inclusive environment. These include:
- Issuing targeted communications to students highlighting the Inclusive Student Life platform, which addresses antisemitism and other forms of hate
- Direct outreach to Jewish students, including following the Manchester attack
- Delivering Equality, Diversity and Inclusion inductions across 24 colleges, which address antisemitism among other issues
- The Students’ Union sabbatical officers have completed antisemitism training from the Union of Jewish Students
We will continue to build on this work, including through expanded training for student leaders and frontline staff, and regular engagement with the Jewish Society, the Jewish Chaplaincy and national partners such as the Community Security Trust.