LONDON — LONDON (AP) – Oxford’s prestigious debating society has voted to oust its incoming president over comments that appeared to celebrate the killing of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Oxford Union said Tuesday.
More than the required two-thirds of voters, many of whom were alumni who voted by proxy, supported the motion of no confidence in President-elect George Abaraonye.
Abaraonye, who is in his final year at University College, has challenged the result due to procedural irregularities.
He was accused of incitement in a WhatsApp chat with fellow students after Turning Point USA founder Kirk was gunned down during a protest at Utah Valley University last month.
Kirk and Abaraonye discussed toxic masculinity at the Oxford Union in May.
When Abaraonye’s comments came to light, he was widely condemned and faced racial abuse and threats. The union condemned the abuse, but also condemned his remarks and initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Abaraonye said on Instagram, which has since been deleted, that the censure he expressed would reclaim responsibility and affirm that the union is a place where students can make mistakes, apologize and learn from them.