Student Society Future Leader Removed Following Charlie Kirk Comments
The future president of the Oxford Union has been removed from his position after failing a vote of confidence that came after his disputed online comments about Charlie Kirk.
The vote against George Abaraonye reached the required super-majority to oust him from his position, according to an announcement from the organization.
Disputed Comments
The dispute began after the student reportedly shared messages on online platforms that seemed to celebrate the death of the American conservative figure, who was shot dead while speaking at a university in Utah.
According to sources, one social media message reportedly stated "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - using an extended form of the acronym for 'laughing out loud'.
The student leader is also said to have written in a messaging group with fellow students appearing to express approval of the event.
Election Results
The vote of confidence took place over the recent days, with outcomes announced on this week.
Official notices showed that 1,228 ballots were cast in favor of removal, while just over five hundred were opposed the motion.
The announcement stated that the president-elect was considered to have stepped down in accordance with the society's regulations.
Election Controversies
Proceedings were informally suspended early on Monday after the election official was allegedly subjected to "interference, threats, and inappropriate behavior" from multiple individuals.
In a response, Mr Abaraonye claimed that the count had been halted because electoral officials believed "no valid outcome could be reached as a result of process errors".
His statement categorically refuted that any representative appointed by George had engaged in intimidating or disruptive behavior.
Ongoing Dispute
The student stated that extremely serious issues had been submitted to the disciplinary committee and that he continued as president-elect.
His comment added that he was "proud and thankful to have the support of well in excess of a majority of students at Oxford" who supported a "safe election and resist attempts to subvert democracy".
Critics have argued that any decision to keep him would "demonstrate internationally that the society has prioritized politics over principles".
External Responses
On recently, Mikey McCoy read out an open letter to the Oxford Union on a related program broadcast.
The message accused the union of becoming a institution where "presidents of the union openly applaud the assassination of a ideological rival".
The statement warned that if the student were to remain in post, supporters would "directly reach out to every U.S. political figure who has ever graced the union's chamber and advise them against future participation".
The society had earlier criticized Mr Abaraonye's remarks after Kirk's death and stated that concerns submitted about him had been forwarded for disciplinary proceedings.
The student leader had been one of several students to debate with Kirk at the union in spring.