“WHAT IS POINT OF UNI LIKE OXFORD IF YOU DON’T SPEAK TRUTH to POWER”
May 28, 2024
One would be justified in thinking this speech given by Oxford University Vice-Chancellor, Irene Tracey, stating “What is the point of a university like Oxford if we don’t speak truth to power and to teach our students how to recognise truths from untruths…” was spoken by a leader, who in these times of global upheaval, decided not to quiver under the influence of power and priviliege and rather stand for truth and justice.
But unfortunately, these words were spoken by Tracey in her inaugural address at Oxford last year but today carry no weight or meaning as she like the vice-chancellors of many other grand institutions, called in the police on her own students who had erected encampments demanding their university dives from all investments aligned with Israel and profiting from a genocidal war being perpetrated openly against the civilians, society and culture of Palestine.
“We condemn Oxford vice chancellor Irene Tracey in the strongest possible terms for bringing in police to violently arrest her own students, engaged in peaceful protest against genocide,” stated the student action group @OxAct4Pal who were leading the encampments and activities at Oxford university a few days ago.
Indeed Vice-Chancellor Tracey, WHAT IS THE POINT? YOU HAVE ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION! THERE IS NO POINT!
@OxAct4Pal @abierkhatib @MiddleEastEye
If you advocate for TRUTH & JUSTICE, SHARE to spread the knowledge.
#Gaza #HumanRights #StopTheFamine #MedicalAid #SaveGaza #EndTheWar #HumanityFirst #ActNow #HealthcareForAll #Nakba76 #FreePalestine #StandWithPalestine #JusticeForPalestine #EndOccupation #PalestinianRights #FreePalestine #StandWithGaza #StudentProtest #UniversityOfAmsterdam #HumanRights #Solidarity #NoJusticeNoPeace #Amsterdam #Rafah #فلسطين #اسرائیل #غزة
English Script:
Irene Tracey: What is the point of a university like Oxford, if we don’t protect and support subject areas and disciplines that others might not be able to? What is the point of a university like Oxford, if it doesn’t curate that which is most precious? Understanding ourselves, the world, and the universe from multiple perspectives, and stretching and pushing our students to their intellectual limits. The next generation of thought leaders who will have to grapple with our global challenges. What is the point of a university like Oxford, if we don’t have the boldness, integrity, and confidence to think differently, to think deeply, to speak truth to power, and to teach our students how to recognize truths from untruths in a world of increasing complexity, short attention spans, and disinformation?
