If political correctness of today were applied consistently very few of Oxford’s great figures would pass scrutiny. George Washington – another Oriel alumnus – would certainly not. By the same measure, how many statues would remain in Britain at all?
We do not commemorate historic figures for their ability to measure up to current conceptions of political correctness – but because of their actual impact on history.
Rhodes, for better or for worse, certainly had an impact on history. He has, in particular, had a positive impact on more than 7500 Rhodes scholars from all over the world and on Oriel College to which he bequeathed the then enormous sum of £100 000.
Students have always been full of sound and fury, signifying very little. However, one would have expected an institution as venerable as Oriel to be a little more gracious in its treatment of its most generous benefactor. If Oriel now finds Rhodes so reprehensible would the honourable solution not be to return his bequest, plus interest, to the victims of British imperialism in southern Africa?
Yours sincerely
FW de Klerk
Former President of South Africa
