How pleasing to see that the UK’s universities are turning out students who can think for themselves – even if their lecturers would rather they didn’t.

Students at Oxford University’s School of Geography were dismayed when a photograph of Theresa May was displayed as part of a series celebrating former students who were female.

They swiftly set up a “free space” around the portrait, encouraging fellow students to share their opinions in creative ways.

And now the portrait has been removed.

It seems some of these opinions may have been a little too much for the faculty to bear.

University authorities say the portrait would be re-displayed so it could be seen as intended – by them, if not by the students.

This seems entirely undemocratic.

The students have spoken – against the celebration of Mrs May, as you can see from the following, which appeared in the Mirror:

“A Twitter account called “NotAllGeographers” was set up to protest the portrait. Students put up a “free space” asking people to share their thoughts on pieces of coloured paper surrounding the photograph of the PM who graduated with a second-class degree in 1977.

“One student wrote: “School of Geography and (Hostile????) Environment” [sic], while another message said: “Let in every refugee, throw the Tories in the sea.”

“Andrew Dwyer, a cyber security and geography student, wrote on social media: “(Not so) Great to see Theresa May placed alongside Doreen Massey in [the School of Geography], apparently one of the best alumnae we have. I don’t really wish to celebrate a hostile environment for immigrants, if I’m honest.”

“The campaigning group said on Twitter: “#NotAllGeographers have creatively intervened for geographers everywhere to challenge the installation of a Theresa May portrait in Oxford Geography without consultation of the student body (at least). This is unacceptable and does little to inspire confidence in critical thought.””

The authorities at Oxford University, it seems, aren’t keen on critical thought. And we already know they’re not keen on democracy either.

It’s no wonder they are so enthusiastic about Theresa May.

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