Oxford Union Rejects Mandatory Pride Flag Policy During Pride Month.

[Social Media]

 

Oxford Union Rejects Mandatory Pride Flag Policy Amid Controversy and Backlash

 

The Oxford Union has stirred heated debate and public backlash after rejecting a proposal to reinstate the mandatory flying of the LGBT flag during Pride Month. The decision came after a secret ballot vote on May 5, in which the motion was defeated by seven votes to four. The policy, which had previously required every union president to fly an LGBT flag prominently in the courtyard throughout June, had mysteriously vanished from the student-run standing committee’s rule book.

 

Union President Anita Okunde led the motion to restore the rule, arguing it was not a new proposal but simply a reinstatement of a previously existing order. She said the removal had occurred without transparency or explanation. “It had been part of the rules and standing orders for a significant number of years,” she said, asserting there had been no previous objections or requests for alternative flags during her tenure. “I’ve never heard of anybody being upset or requesting another specific flag to be flown to her knowledge.”

 

 

The proposed rule included provisions allowing the flag requirement to be waived during periods of national mourning, such as the death of the Sovereign or times when public buildings fly flags at half-mast. But opposition to the motion focused less on its content and more on its broader implications.

 

Samy Medjdoub, the third elected committee member from Keble College, warned that reinstating the rule could “open the floodgates” for demands to fly flags for various other causes. He described the move as “opening the Pandora’s box,” and suggested it might set a precedent difficult to manage. Medjdoub added that everyone on the committee supports the LGBTQIA+ community regardless of whether the flag is flown, and therefore “the motion should not be ratified.”

 

To avoid personal bias or backlash, the committee decided on a secret ballot, intending to keep the focus on the principle rather than members' individual stances on LGBTQ+ representation. Despite this, the decision has triggered intense online criticism, with many students expressing frustration and disappointment over what they see as a symbolic rejection of inclusivity.

 

One student commented, “The change is confirmation that the union is as bad as everyone thinks it is.” Another added, “To be fair, at least it keeps the LGBTQ+ community safe by giving a warning as to where they aren’t welcome. If the union wants to make it clearer, it could always vote on whether to have a sign reading: ‘Bigots within beware.’”

 

What remains unresolved is how the original rule was removed from the committee's records. According to Ms Okunde, who has served on the committee five times, there was no discussion or student notification regarding its deletion. Committee members admitted they found no explanation in prior meeting minutes. Some speculated that the order may have been accidentally removed alongside other changes.

 

Incoming president Moosa Harraj, who is set to assume leadership in the autumn term, called the unexplained removal “crazy” and has ordered an investigation into how it occurred.

 

Despite the failed vote, Ms Okunde affirmed her commitment to visibility and representation, stating she would “regardless fly the flag in her term.” 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-05-13

 

 

[Zaphod Priest]

Just for clarification, the Oxford Union is not a student union (that's the Oxford Student Union).  The Oxford Union is a club primarily for the poshest current and former students in the University and those with political ambitions.  Its stances are in no way typical of the general student population.

[Magictoad]

Thank God for that 

[blazes]

 A lot of Muslim-type names in the above report.  No connection, I'm sure....

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, Zaphod Priest said:

Just for clarification, the Oxford Union is not a student union (that's the Oxford Student Union).  The Oxford Union is a club primarily for the poshest current and former students in the University and those with political ambitions.  Its stances are in no way typical of the general student population.

They occasionally have some sense then.

 

The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society with a tradition of hosting internationally prominent individuals across politics, academia, and popular culture. Founded in 1823 at a time when The University of Oxford restricted students from discussing certain topics, The Union continues to uphold the principle of free speech through the exchange and debate of a wide range of ideas and opinions, presented by a diverse range of speakers – some inspiring, others controversial.

Today, The Oxford Union remains an independent, student-led society with a membership primarily drawn from The University of Oxford. As we celebrate 200 years of free speech during our Bicentenary year of 2023, we reaffirm our commitment to our integral values and also our belief that the discussion of complex topics should not only be encouraged but is an essential element of any free society.

https://oxford-union.org/abou

[Zaphod Priest]

1 hour ago, blazes said:

 A lot of Muslim-type names in the above report.  No connection, I'm sure....

 

Muslim- and African-type names.  Just the same sort of mix as has been seen at the top of the Tory party over the past few years.  Political ambition isn't limited to white British types.

[JonnyF]

It shouldn't be mandatory. It might be against their religious, or other belief systems. It should be optional, like rainbow armbands for footballers.

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14154087/Premier-League-captain-refuses-wear-rainbow-armband-religious-beliefs-Marc-Guehi-writes-NEW-message-reprimanded-scrawling-love-Jesus-equality-armband-weekend.html

 

The LGBT community need to stop forcing everyone to celebrate them. 

 

[WDSmart]

Although I am not an opponent of PRIDE month, I do agree that no one or no facility should be required to fly any type of flag at any time.