Exeter College Oxford allows homophobic organisation to hold conference on premises

There have been complaints from students and staff at Exeter, who unfortunately have little control over central management. I asked a few Exonians about it and got these responses:

"Hey up- perfectly legit concern, but not one to worry about. Effectively these people booked the college for a conference. previously Exeter had no vetting procedure for this sort of thing, and even if it did it would not have helped as the Christian Concern booked under a different name (the adams foundation or something- I can't remember. Effectively the name of the specific conference they wanted to hold) The college has no support for homophobia, or indeed, any discrimination.The college is also now in a position where it would do more damage to break the contract than uphold it. moreover, as the college with one of the largest LGBT undergraduate populations, the article is what one might call of 'tenuous reliablility' at best."

"We do welcome homophobes. We are an exceptionally homophobic college, given that we have one of the highest proportions of lgbt staff, fellows and students, two lgbt dinners (this year), an lgbt bar manager, two lgbt fellows and two lgbt reps (most colleges have only one).

Not only is this article inaccurate, it misunderstands the fact that the process for booking events at Oxford colleges has never been vetted in any way and that allowing this group to use our premises does not mean we endorse their views. To all lgbt freshers next year, look forward to a really friendly community, and learn never to take the Oxstu as gospel truth."

(The second one was written by an LGBT rep.)

These aren't necessarily my views - I can see the arguments on both sides, but just thought it might be interesting to post them I think the problem is that, like they said, the procedure has never really been vetted. The group actually booked under a different name and there have been incidents of organisations with questionable views (eg YBO) booking into conferences at other colleges.

Thanks for the response. I think what your friends say are right, but I also think they've missed the point.

I don't think anyone in Oxford does think Exeter is a homophobic College. It's more the impression that it gives off, particularly to the many applicants that have read about this. They often also conflate the University with the Colleges, because as we know, those not familiar with the University can become very confused about how it works. I was just concerned that giving a platform to this group might send out the wrong impression. After all, applicants are unlikely to know the diversity statistics for the College Fellowship.

There won't exactly be homophobic flags hung out on the front quad during the conference, nor will any of the participants be making speeches to the public It's basically a place to stay and a meeting room will be provided. Unfortunately 'The Oxford Student' is known for blowing things out of proportion and has failed to mention the fact that Exeter is a very welcoming community with strong LGBT representation. That's more of a fault of the media than of Exeter itself. I'm kind of playing devil's advocate here - I wouldn't want to come across any of these intolerant people myself - but I feel that Exeter has been unfairly jumped on compared to other colleges, who have also hosted conferences for questionable organisations.

isnt this just a perfectly legitimate example of freedom of speech? they can express their disdain for homosexuals just as you can express your views against them ... what's the issue?

Any organisation preaching religious orthodoxy such as Islam and Christianity is by definition a homophobic organisation...

I'm disappointed Exeter have been so welcoming of these people. You can make arguments about it being contractual obligation now, or that they can just change their name... yes they can, but that doesn't mean you can't ban that particular name from booking in the future. Would they accept a KKK conference on the basis of them being able to change their name? I hope not.

The reality is, this comes across as Exeter college seniority supporting this group, or at least, willing to tolerate homophobia as long as they get money for it.

Any implication that the wider student body is involved is, of course, unfounded.

The issue is that we don't want such a group in Oxford. We wouldn't host the KKK, and we shouldn't host them. They can practice their freedom of speech on the internet like the rest of us.

I thought Oxford was the most gay friendly uni in the country?

I don't think 'welcoming' is really the right word - they've allowed them to use their premises, and no doubt they'll be an atmosphere of hostility amongst students within the college during the conference anyway, given the reaction to the decision to allow them in. The KKK was violent/criminal and if they didn't kill a person for being black or supporting the civil rights movement they'd terrorise them and ruin their lives anyway. The members of this organisation are grossly misguided and homophobic, but they don't pose a threat towards LGBT students at Exeter or in Oxford as a whole. I would prefer it if Exeter refused to host this organisation - I think their views are disgusting - but sadly I don't think that will happen.

Clearly there is a difference between the violent KKK and these guys. Personally, i would not draw the line jut on violence though - these guys would have members of the Oxford student body 'corrected' given the chance - i think that is not compatible with use of Oxford's facilities.

Maybe they will think twice before accpeting them in the future?

Some very interesting articles to read here. I particularly agree with the response article (the second link).

I am an Oxford graduate and very pro-Oxford. However, I am disappointed in Exeter College.

Having been employed in a good deal of access work encouraging applications to the University from disadvantaged, lower socio-economic, and minority groups, I do believe the actions of Exeter College are quite worrying. It has the potential to discourage applications, if not from the University, at least from Exeter College - especially if the applicant is concerned about how inclusive and welcoming their future university appears to be.

http://oxfordstudent.com/2012/02/15/exeter-welcomes-homophobes/

http://oxfordstudent.com/2012/02/16/concerned-about-christians/ (Deals with the counter argument to 'freedom of speech' very well.)

The articles explain how the organisation in question believes homosexuals are "broken" and require "corrective therapy". It also details how the Powers That Be in Exeter College have dismissed opposition to the conference as an "attack" and an "unreasonable outburst".

I do not believe that Exeter College is an inherently homophobic institution. It has a number of gay students and fellows. However, the passive acceptance of this homophobic organisation does throw the reputation of the College into doubt.

Just posting the links here for discussion.