UK: Oxford College votes in favour of removing 19th-century colonialist Rhodes' statue

Oxford University's Oriel College has voted in favour to remove statue of 19-century colonialist Cecil Rhodes after protest for it to be taken down grew. Protesters have been demanding removal of statue under campaign 'Rhodes Must Fall' since June 9, chanting slogans like "Take it down!" and "Decolonise!" college on June 17 finally decided on matter by voting in favour of removal of statue, saying it came at conclusion after a thoughtful period of debate.  

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campaign 'Rhodes Must Fall' h begun in 2015, but only gained momentum after recent Black Lives Matter protests sparked across world over racial discrimination and systematic oppression of black people. board members of college decided to remove statue of Cecil Rhodes along with King Edward Street Plaque, but any action will only be taken upon consulting with independent commission that has been set up by board. 

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" Governing Body of Oriel College has today voted to launch an independent Commission of Inquiry into key issues surrounding Rhodes statue. y also expressed ir wish to remove statue of Cecil Rhodes and King Edward Street Plaque. This is what y intend to convey to Independent Commission of Inquiry. Both of se decisions were reached after a thoughtful period of debate and reflection and with full awareness of impact se decisions are likely to have in Britain and around world," college said in a statement. 

" Commission will deal with issue of Rhodes legacy and how to improve access and attendance of BAME undergruate, gruate students and faculty, toger with a review of how college's 21st Century commitment to diversity can sit more easily with its past," statement ded.  

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Who was Rhodes?

Cecil Rhodes was an English mining magnate who me his money at time when Great Britain was a force to be reckoned with. Rhodes also served as Prime Minister of Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896, a British colony in present-day South Africa. Rhodes was a staunch supporter of imperialism and critics argue that he restricted rights of Africans by increasing financial criteria required in order to vote in colony.

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(Im Credit: AP)