Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Oxford Union president rape allegations - alumni open letter

385 replies

FairPhyllis · 21/05/2014 13:31

The president of the Oxford Union (which is a debating society at Oxford), Ben Sullivan, is currently being investigated over allegations of rape and attempted rape of two undergraduates at the university. He is refusing to resign or suspend his presidency. Speakers are beginning to pull out of events.

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/10845979/Oxford-Union-boycott-after-president-returns-despite-police-investigation-into-rape-allegations.html

If you are a member of the university or an Oxford alumna/us, and feel strongly about the minimisation of rape and sexual assault "on campus" there is an open letter you can sign here calling for Sullivan to step aside while under investigation. It is organised by the OUSU VP (Women) and other students.

OP posts:
NickiFury · 21/05/2014 14:59

I'm not sure I agree. If he's completely innocent why on earth should his life as he knows it change completely to accommodate a false accusation?

meandjulio · 21/05/2014 14:58

I work in healthcare and I work with vulnerable people. If I were accused of some kind of violent, neglect or dishonesty crime, then it would make sense for me to be suspended. However, for a job that involves mostly committee meetings, phone calls and debates, I don't see why he should step down until he is proven guilty, and I don't think it shows disrespect for anyone for him to carry on doing what he was elected to do.

Salazar · 21/05/2014 14:57

Having been educated at Oxford and Durham myself, I know the exact attitude you are talking about. It's very prevalent and universities are doing very little to change the culture.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 21/05/2014 14:54

Well, I'm articulate because I've had the argument already elsewhere! I do see that it's controversial, but I feel pretty strongly about it. I live in Oxford. There's a video gone around of students walking down the High Street singing about rape, too. It's not a good atmosphere and I think if someone is considered mature and intelligent enough to be head of the Union, they should be able to see that they're contributing to that culture by refusing to resign.

Salazar · 21/05/2014 14:52

Not articulate at all it seems.... That should be hear hear!

Salazar · 21/05/2014 14:50

Here here LDR.

Far more articulate than I am capable of, but the sentiments are all the same.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 21/05/2014 14:46

I do, meand.

I don't think being Oxford Union president is such an inalienable right that you shouldn't feel obliged to step down if you're accused of rape. He may know perfectly well he didn't do it and he may be angry and hurt and confused about the accusation, but if he had proper respect for women and for rape survivors, he'd step down and let the Union carry on without him.

Salazar · 21/05/2014 14:43

Signed.

meandjulio · 21/05/2014 14:42

I don't really think people should have to change their lives until they are proven guilty.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 21/05/2014 14:39

Done, and shared it FB. I'm so glad this exists.