The director of Oxford University’s Magdalene College has come out in defense of the group of students who decided to take a picture of the Queen from their common room after Britain’s education minister called the measure “ridiculous”.
Members of the Middle Common Room (MCR), an organization that brings together graduate students from Magdalen College, voted to remove the photo that has decorated their common room since 2013. According to the minutes of the meeting, quoted By the Guardian, some students considered the images of the Queen and the British monarchy to “represent the recent history of colonialism”.
Matthew Katzman, Head of MCR Division, explained He told The Telegraph that the decision was made with the goal of “leaving the common room neutral”. “In college there are several pictures of different things,” he said, “but the common room should be a place where everyone feels welcome.”
on one tweet Published Tuesday, British Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, one of several Britons who criticized the removal of Isabel’s second photo, called the removal of the photo “mere absurd”. She is a Head of State and a symbol of the best of the UK. During her long reign, she has worked tirelessly to promote British values of tolerance, inclusion and respect around the world.”
Oxford students removing the Queen’s portrait is simply absurd. She is the Head of State and a symbol of what is best in the UK. During her long reign she worked tirelessly to promote British values of tolerance, inclusivity and respect around the world
– Gavin Williamson (GavinWilliamson) June 8, 2021
It didn’t take long for Magdalen College principal, attorney Dinah Rose, to respond. On the same day, Rose Mutual He tweeted “some facts” about what happened, explaining that Middle Common Room is a student organization that does not represent the college and that the decision to take a picture of the Queen is entirely the responsibility of its members.
Although the decision was made solely by the students, Magdalen College’s principal stressed that the college “strongly supports freedom of speech, political debate, and MCR’s right to independence.” “Being a student is much more than just studying,” the official said. “It is an exploration and discussion of ideas. Sometimes this provokes the older generation. Something that does not seem to be difficult to do these days.”
They recently voted to remove it.
Both of these decisions belong to them, not the decisions of the college.
Magdalene strongly supports freedom of expression and political debate, and MCR’s right to autonomy.– DinahRoseQC June 8, 2021
So if you’re one of the people currently sending obscene and threatening messages to college staff, you might consider pausing, and asking yourself if this is the best way to show your respect for the Queen.
– DinahRoseQC June 9, 2021
Dina Rose further revealed that faculty members receive “threatening and obscene messages” and urged those responsible for these messages to stop thinking about how best to show their respect for the Queen “or whether she is more likely to uphold the traditions of free debate and the democratic standing that we are trying to survive.” in Magdalene.
As for Isabel’s second picture, maybe one day she’ll be captioned again, “Maybe not.” “However, it will be kept safe,” he emphasized.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.