University of Oxford boss who said homophobia isn’t her issue slammed by gay politician

A prominent gay councillor has responded to claims by the head of Oxford University that her job is not to stop homophobia within the university.

The shocking comments came from Professor Louise Richardson, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Now Oxford City councillor Tom Hayes has blasted the uni boss as “wrong” in a letter to Professor Richardson.

Professor Richardson was speaking in London at the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit when she made the comments.

According to the BBC, she said: “I’ve had many conversations with students who say they don’t feel comfortable because their professor has expressed views against homosexuality.

“They don’t feel comfortable being in class with someone with those views.

“And I say, ‘I’m sorry, but my job isn’t to make you feel comfortable. Education is not about being comfortable. I’m interested in making you uncomfortable’.

“If you don’t like his views, you challenge them, engage with them, and figure how a smart person can have views like that.

“Work out how you can persuade him to change his mind. It is difficult, but it is absolutely what we have to do.”