Oxford University chief vows to defend free speech to prepare students for ‘the real world’

Oxford University‘s new vice-chancellor has vowed to be a ‘defender of free speech’.

Professor Irene Tracey, 56, who began the role yesterday, said she tried to teach students to understand views from ‘many different perspectives’.

Her pledge comes amid calls to crack down on ‘campus wokery’, which has seen speakers banned from institutions.

She told Radio 4’s Today: ‘I’m very clear that I’m the defender of free speech.’ The professor, who was previously warden of Merton College, said accepting different views ‘prepares you best for what is the real world’.

She added: ‘You’re going to have to grapple with different opinions and different views and views that you’re not necessarily comfortable with.

‘The other part of that is the ability to deliver and receive criticism.

‘I’m a defender of free speech, and I will be championing that as part of my role as Vice-Chancellor.’

Prof Tracey, who is the first comprehensive school-educated Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, also said private school pupils will not be restricted from getting places at the university.

Professor Irene Tracey, 56, who began the role yesterday, said she tried to teach students to understand views from ‘many different perspectives’.

The institution has faced backlash recently from private school heads amid concerns Oxbridge assessment methods favoured state school pupils.

At her inaugural ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre, Prof Tracey announced her intention for Oxford to be a centre of interdisciplinary research on finding climate solutions.

She also said she would commission an independent analysis of pay and conditions for the university’s staff, after several days of strikes in November.