The St John’s College Middle Common Room (MCR) condemns in the harshest possible terms the inhumane and unconscionable treatment of MCR member, Mr. Ebenezer Azamati by the Oxford Union in connection with the 17 October No Confidence Debate. We also strongly denounce the Oxford Union’s decision to accuse Azamati of misconduct rather than accept responsibility for their own unacceptable actions, although we are glad to note that these charges have rightfully been withdrawn.
Azamati is a beloved member of our community. His friends at John’s have described him as “nothing but kind, courteous and cheerful. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is the most polite and tempered individual I have met at Oxford by a long way. This man is generous with his time, generous with his words, and generous with his friendship.” One of his housemates similarly remarked that “he is one of the most lovely, kind natured people I’ve ever met. He will always ask about my day and never fail to make me laugh whenever we catch up.”
The Oxford Union’s treatment of Azamati is inimical to the most basic values that our University community upholds and undermines efforts to make Oxford a more inclusive environment for all students, especially those from under-represented backgrounds.
The St John’s College MCR stridently rejects all forms of discrimination. No student should ever be treated with such indignity or made to feel unwelcome here. We therefore join the University in calling for the Oxford Union to provide answers on how they plan to rectify the injustice that Azamati suffered and prevent this from ever happening again. We also firmly believe that those responsible at the Oxford Union must be swiftly held to account.
The St John’s College MCR affirms its full backing of Azamati and stands ready to support him in any way that we can.
President, St John’s College MCR
Vice President, St John’s College MCR
Treasurer, St John’s College MCR