James Orr, an associate professor of religion at Cambridge University and former head of policy for Reform UK, was confronted by two student protesters during a lecture on Friday. The protesters, members of the Fire James Orr Campaign, accused him of promoting transphobia, sexism and racism through his political activities and demanded his removal from the university.
Protesters disrupt lecture
In footage shared on social media, one protester told Mr Orr: "James Orr, you are responsible for the rise of hatred in this country. Transphobia, sexism, and racism in this country is due to you as head of policy for Reform UK. Don't take it from me as an undergraduate. Take it from the lecturers, the supervisors, and the postgrads who condemn what you do."
The protester also accused Mr Orr of preaching inequality and hierarchies, laughing at Athenian slavery, and bringing his "far-Right ideology" into the classroom. Another protester accused him of being complicit in the death of Cambridge academic Jason Arday, who resigned following accusations of plagiarism and was found dead nine days later.
Academic responds
When Mr Orr responded that the protesters were "disrupting university business", one student shouted: "I am practising my freedom of speech." The response was met with applause from some students. Standing behind his lectern, Mr Orr replied: "My business here is to teach, not to engage in political arguments."
The activists said they did "not accept" his position within the faculty and warned: "You are on the way out, James Orr. You have already resigned from your managerial positions. You know your time here is limited." The edited footage does not establish how long the disruption lasted.
Background and context
In a statement on Instagram, the Fire James Orr Campaign said its members had confronted the professor about his "indefensible actions, ties and beliefs". Mr Orr has taught at Cambridge since 2019 and stepped down as Reform's head of policy in September following an undercover Channel 4 News investigation into allegations surrounding political donations.
The investigation, conducted by media company Verbatim, claimed Reform had received funding from a US firm for three polls commissioned earlier this year, costing £32,500. An internal investigation by Reform last month cleared Mr Orr and fellow aide Dan Jukes of breaking electoral law, although the matter remains under police investigation. There is no suggestion that the student's claims are true.
The confrontation marks the latest controversy surrounding senior figures in the party, with growing concerns about the security of its politicians. Last month, all eight Reform MPs were given round-the-clock security following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, the party's former immigration and justice spokeswoman, who was murdered at her home in July. Reform is understood to be paying for the protection.
