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A former chair of admissions at Oxford University has hit again at criticism of the nation's high universities.
Crossbencher and tutorial Baroness Deech mentioned there was "no evidence of discrimination" by Oxbridge in opposition to black college students.
Labour MP David Lammy not too long ago referred to as Oxford "a bastion of white privilege".
Data launched by the college confirmed eight schools had accepted fewer than three black candidates prior to now three years.
Speaking in Parliament, Baroness Deecha former principal of St Anne's College, Oxforddidn't title Mr Lammy however noticed "how misguided most of that conversation was".
She argued claims of discrimination should not supported by the figures, for the reason that quantity of black and minority ethnic (BME) college students who obtained presents was proportional to the BME inhabitants.
Instead, she argued, "the problem is uneven distribution" amongst prestigious universities, schools and topics.
"There are colleges in London where white students are in the minorityis anyone going to complain there are too many students of one race or religion?" she requested, describing quotas as "a hallmark of totalitarian regimes".
She went on to "deplore ill-informed comments made by politicians" about Oxbridge, naming Gordon Brown and David Cameron.
She claimed "impressive, expensive outreach work is damaged by the impression they discriminate against black students".
"In no other country would a senior politician speak like this about a top university, thereby undermining its reputation," she added, earlier than calling for the restoration of upkeep grants.
Responding to her feedback, authorities spokesman Viscount Younger of Leckie mentioned the brand new universities watchdogthe Office for Studentswould problem extra selective establishments to make progress in broadening their admissions.
He mentioned the federal government "shares the concerns" expressed by Baroness Deech that latest media protection of Oxbridge admissions will undermine their outreach work.
David Lammy responded on Twitter that this was "pathetic" and accused the federal government of "blaming the media for publishing data showing Oxbridge's failings".
Pathetic. The institution takes care of its personal. Blaming the media for publishing knowledge displaying Oxbridge’s failings is totally ridiculous. Perhaps Oxbridge ought to concentrate on enhancing the figures as an alternative of blaming all people aside from themselves. https://t.co/BppjEZBhfP
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 7, 2018
The proportion of Oxford college students figuring out as black and minority ethnic was 18% in 2017, up from 14% in 2013. However, that determine nonetheless falls under the UK college common of 25%.
The most up-to-date UK census confirmed 14% of the UK inhabitants identifies as black or minority ethnic.
Data within the college's report confirmed that, of the scholars who achieved three 'A' grades or greater of their A-levels nationwide, 20% recognized as black and minority ethnic.