Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:04am on 06 Feb 2024,Tuesday International
Lord Patten of Barnes, the chancellor of Oxford University, has announced his retirement as he approaches his 80th birthday. Known for championing free speech and criticizing safe spaces on campus, Patten has served in the role since 2003. A former Conservative Party chairman and last governor of Hong Kong, Patten emphasized the importance of free speech in universities. Expressing a "heavy heart," he stated his intention to step down at the end of the academic year, allowing for a smooth succession plan. Oxford's vice-chancellor, Prof Irene Tracey, lauded Patten's dedication to the university's global reputation.
