Oriel College Urged to Cancel Reform UK Student Event with Nathan Cofnas, Accuser of Late Professor Jason Arday

Oriel College at the University of Oxford is facing calls to cancel an evening event featuring Nathan Cofnas, the man who made unproven plagiarism accusations against the late Cambridge professor Jason Arday. The event, organised by student supporters of Reform UK, has sparked controversy given the tragic circumstances surrounding Arday's death in August at age 41, following intense media scrutiny. Critics argue that hosting Cofnas on campus could be seen as legitimising his claims and causing further distress to Arday's family and colleagues. Reform UK's student wing has defended the event as a matter of free speech, but opponents say the college has a duty to protect its community from harmful discourse. With Oriel College yet to respond, the situation highlights the ongoing tension between academic freedom and safeguarding in higher education. The outcome may set a precedent for how universities handle speakers linked to sensitive controversies.