Save the Oxford Union

27th November 2007

Dear Mr Tryl and the Oxford Union Executive,

We, the undersigned, are appalled at your decision to invite David Irving and Nick Griffin to speak at our Society. When we joined the Oxford Union we did so because of its reputation for excellence, academic credibility, and for all that it had to offer us as undergraduates and alumni.

Your actions have been utterly reckless, and cannot be divorced from those of previous Presidents who also chose to extend similar invitations. By welcoming these men and, by association, their extremist followers, you have jeopardised the safety of Oxford’s inhabitants. Moreover, these invitations have been highly insensitive to us, the Union members whom you purport to represent.

Given this ongoing pattern of institutional mismanagement and careerist sensationalism, as a broad coalition of resident and non-resident Oxford Union members, we see no other choice but to disassociate ourselves from the Oxford Union. To this end, we wish to cancel our membership with immediate effect.

This entire episode shows a serious error of judgement on your behalf and your term in office will be remembered for casting shame on an institution that was once 'world class'.

With our sincerest disappointment,

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