EDUCATION

Oxford has not gone ‘woke’, insists vice-chancellor after election row

Professor Irene Tracey says ‘democracy is alive and well at Oxford’ in a letter to The Times after senior ministers criticise new chancellor election process
Nicola Woolcock
, Education Editor
The Times
Professor Irene Tracey has been vice-chancellor of Oxford University since the beginning of 2023
Professor Irene Tracey has been vice-chancellor of Oxford University since the beginning of 2023
ADRIAN SHERRATT FOR THE TIMES
Nicola Woolcock
, Education Editor
The Times

Oxford’s vice-chancellor has denied that the university has become “woke” in changing the way it chooses its chancellor.

Professor Irene Tracey said there was “no question” of positive discrimination in electing the next chancellor of the institution — 800 years after its first.

Senior ministers have accused the university of trying to “stitch up” the election in an attempt to make sure the job does not go to another older, white, male politician. Instead of voting in person in Oxford, a panel will reveal a list of eligible candidates and all Oxford graduates can vote online.

Previously any Oxford graduate wanting to vote for the next chancellor had to turn up at the university on the day in full academic dress
Previously any Oxford graduate wanting to vote for the next chancellor had to turn up at the university on the day in full academic dress
ALAMY

The successful candidate will replace Lord Patten of Barnes, the former governor of Hong Kong, former chairman of the BBC and minister under Margaret Thatcher. Previous incumbents include Harold