Oxford mulls Thatcher naming rights and wrongs

Source: PA Photos

The lady is for naming: Congregation not involved in making decision

A University of Oxford academic has criticised 바카라사이트 ��opaque�� way in which 바카라사이트 institution approved 바카라사이트 naming of a building after Baroness Thatcher.

The Thatcher Business Education Centre, a new structure in 바카라사이트 Sa?d Business School, was named in honour of 바카라사이트 former prime minister, who died in April, at 바카라사이트 request of Wafic Sa?d, 바카라사이트 school��s principal benefactor.

The prospect of 바카라사이트 honour surfaced last year, with several academics warning that Congregation, Oxford��s ��parliament of dons��, would not approve 바카라사이트 move.

It famously opposed plans to award Lady Thatcher an honorary degree in 1985 because of 바카라사이트 higher education cuts made during her tenure as prime minister.

However, 바카라사이트 final decision on 바카라사이트 name was not put before Congregation. An Oxford spokesman said this was not necessary and?바카라사이트 decision had been made by?바카라사이트 ��appropriate�� authorities, including 바카라사이트 university��s council.

Robert Gildea, professor of modern history at Worcester College, Oxford, who voted against honouring Lady Thatcher in 1985, said he was disappointed with 바카라사이트 way 바카라사이트 decision had been handled.

��There is a tradition at this university not to name academic institutions after political figures. We try to keep a distance from political power,�� he said.

Professor Gildea added that it was ��unfortunate�� 바카라사이트 issue had come back in a ��stealthy way��. He said he was in conversation with a number of colleagues about fighting 바카라사이트 decision but admitted 바카라사이트re was a ��sense of water under 바카라사이트 bridge��.

Bernard Sufrin, emeritus fellow at Worcester College, said that despite 바카라사이트 governance issues raised, it was unlikely Congregation would try to undo 바카라사이트 decision at this stage.

But he added: ��This opaque way of conducting important business will not serve 바카라사이트 university well in 바카라사이트 long run. Making decisions as important as this one out of sight of Congregation is disturbing.��

However, Alice Prochaska, principal of Somerville College, Oxford, where Lady Thatcher studied chemistry in 바카라사이트 1940s, said 바카라사이트 naming was a ��good idea��.

��It is now 30 years since Margaret Thatcher was prime minister��We should regard her as a very important historical figure,�� she said.

holly.else@tsleducation.com