Pro-Palestine banners, incorporating slices of water melon, Citrullus lanatus, Oxford, 24 June 2024.

The upper banner concerns the University’s investment in businesses which support Israel; the lower refers to the controversy surrounding a statue of Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902) displayed on the front of Oriel College, overlooking the High Street.  A former student at Oriel, Rhodes made a fortune through diamond mining, and then entered politics, becoming prime minister of Cape Colony in 1890.  In this role he did much to ensure that black people remained dominated by white colonists.  Thus his legacy stimulates great controversy, particularly at Oriel, to which he bequeathed most of his wealth.