Theresa May portrait removed at Oxford University because she is contentious figure among EU citizens and 'decolonial scholars'

A picture of Theresa May has been removed from the walls of her old geography department at Oxford University after students complained she was a “contentious figure in a department with many EU citizens and de-colonial scholars”. 

A photographer of Mrs May was put on the walls of a stairwell at the university’s School of Geography and the Environment last week as a part of a celebration of the department’s female alumnae.

However, after a protest by students – channelled through a social media account called ‘NotAllGeographers” – the picture has been removed, Cherwell, the university's student newspaper, reported.

Mrs May, who graduated with a second-class degree from St Hugh’s in 1977, was originally one of twelve alumnae to feature in the display which was intended to “aim to inspire the next generation of women geographers to aim high in their future careers”.

In a note alongside the picture, Mrs May – who studied at the university from 1974 to 1977 – said: “I remember the School of Geography as a great place to meet, learn and enjoy finding out more about our world…

“A greater understanding of the diversity and complexity of our world and a respect for our environment, which I learnt in my degree, have stood me in good stead in my chosen career.”

Claire Hann, the School’s Equality and Diversity Officer, said: “The aim is to show that the achievements of the few selected women represent and are linked with the achievements of a much wider group of women geographers.

“We’re keen to celebrate the successes of our women students and staff as much as those of men. It’s been great to reconnect with many of our past students through this project, and we hope it will inspire our current students as they pass by the display each day.”

But the decision to display Mrs May’s photograph was criticised by some students. 

On Friday students had stuck up pieces of paper around the picture, with a pen attached to a piece of string inviting others to “share your thoughts”.

One student wrote next to the picture “School of Geography or Hostile Environment”, referring to Mrs May’s approach to illegal immigration when she was Home secretary.

One student wrote: “School of Geography and (Hostile????) Environment” [sic], while another message said: “Let in every refugee, throw the Tories in the sea.”

Andrew Dwyer, a cyber security and geography student, wrote on social media: “(Not so) Great to see Theresa May placed alongside Doreen Massey in [the School of Geography], apparently one of the best alumnae we have. I don't really wish to celebrate a hostile environment for immigrants, if I'm honest.”

Responding to Mrs May’s comments, Mr Dwyer added: “I'm sad to say that even though you enjoyed your time here @theresa_may, many geographers would argue against the statement that "[what] I learnt in my degree, have stood me in good stead in my chosen career’.”

In a statement to the Cherwell student newspaper, the NotAllGeographers group said it was “rightly proud of…the celebration of” the department’s alumnae.

It said: “However, there was no consultation (at least with students) about the placing of Theresa May as one of the selected twelve larger portraits to celebrate women and Oxford geography (or the selection of photos for the wall).

“Clearly at a time when there are issues with the Windrush scandal and the handling of Brexit [she is] a contentious figure in a department with many EU citizens and decolonial scholars.

“The main, and most basic, issue comes with the celebration of a sitting Prime Minister. Should a department align itself with the power of the day, when there are those who actively challenge it?

“It is unprecedented to celebrate state power in such a way (regardless of one’s political affiliation). For many geographers, the famous Doreen Massey being placed below her is also another kick in the teeth.”

The School of Geography and Environment and Number 10 declined to comment. - The Telegraph