The Oxford Union has announced that its president-elect, George Abaraonye, will face disciplinary proceedings for making 'inappropriate remarks' celebrating the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. The union condemned the comments while also denouncing racial abuse and threats Abaraonye has received since the remarks were revealed.
Abaraonye, a University of Oxford student elected as president-elect in June, posted messages in a WhatsApp group including 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s fucking go' and 'Charlie Kirk got shot loool,' according to the Telegraph. The union stated that these are his personal views and do not represent the institution's values.
In a statement on Saturday, the Oxford Union said it is 'deeply disturbed by and strongly condemn the racial abuse and threats that George has faced.' It emphasized that free speech 'cannot and will not come at the expense of violence, intimidation, or hate.' The union noted it lacks executive powers to summarily dismiss a president-elect but has forwarded complaints for disciplinary proceedings.
Abaraonye responded on Thursday, saying he 'reacted impulsively' and that his words did not reflect his values. He extended condolences to Kirk's family, but also cited Kirk's own rhetoric, including comments on school shootings, Gaza, and LGBTQ+ communities, as context for his reaction.
Valerie Amos, master of University College, Oxford, said on Friday that no disciplinary action would be taken by the college, as Abaraonye's comments did not contravene its free speech policies.
