An independent commission set up to examine the future of Oxford University’s controversial statue of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes has recommended its removal. The commission was set up last June after Oxford University’s Oriel College voted in favour of removing its statue. In the report, seen by the Guardian, the commission recommended that the statue be taken down and that the King Edward Street plaque be removed. The commission’s report is advisory and the decisions on the recommendations it made are the responsibility of the college’s governing body. “Crucially, the college must now follow through on the recommendation of its independent inquiry, and remove the statue once and for all.”Oriel College and Oxford University have been contacted for comment.

Source: The Guardian May 19, 2021 20:36 UTC