Oxford academics revolt on new Iron Lady honour: Report

Academics at Oxford University are reportedly divided over a proposed plan to name a new building at the varsity after one of its most illustrious alumnae - the first woman Prime Minister of Britain, Lady Margaret Thatcher.

Wafic Said, the 72-year-old Syrian-born billionaire, has donated some 15 million pounds for a new facility at Oxford's Said Business School, due to open in autumn, and has indicated he wants to name it after the "Iron Lady" of Britain.

But the proposal has divided the university.
While Oxford academics across the political spectrum, from TV historian Niall Ferguson to Baroness Kennedy, Labour Party peer, have backed the plans for "The Thatcher Building" as a fitting tribute to the former Premier, leftwing academics are against any such move, 'The Sunday Telegraph' reported.

Prof Ferguson said: "I think it is a splendid idea. As Britain's greatest post-war PM, she is long overdue an honour from her alma mater. Naming the business school after her seems fitting, as no one did more than she to rescue the UK economy from the quagmire of stagflation."

Agreed Baroness Kennedy, principal of Mansfield College, Oxford University: "... whether people approve or disapprove of her, she has had an incredible impact".

However, opponents are intending to force a vote of all 3,000 dons in a bid to halt it, as happened in 1985 in the row over awarding an honorary degree to Baroness Thatcher during her time as prime minister, the newspaper said.

Prof Robert Gildea of Worcester College said: "I voted against giving an honorary degree to Mrs Thatcher in 1985 and my views have not changed since then."

The opponents are even threatening to take the matter to Congregation, the university's ultimate authority. Just 20 signatures from objecting dons could trigger a Congregation ballot, in which 3,000 academics would be eligible to vote.

An Oxford spokeswoman said: "Lead donors are usually able to name buildings and Mr Saïd has a clear right in this respect. For the time being, no final decision has been taken as to whether the building should be named."