The Sheldonian Series continues this academic year, centering around issues relating to ‘Power’.

The series will explore ‘Cancel Culture’ in Michaelmas term (Tuesday 21 October 2025), ‘Activism’ in Hilary term (Tuesday 4 February 2026) and the theme of ‘Satire’ in Trinity term (20 May 2026).

Join the Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday 21 October to hear from panellists discussing ‘Cancel Culture’: is cancellation a threat to free expression, or a necessary means of accountability?

This event is open to all and includes an audience Q&A.

Panellists:

Sunder Katwala – Director of the British Future think tank
Helen Mountfield KC – Trustee for Index on Censorship, barrister, and Principal of Mansfield College
Lord Young of Acton – General Secretary of the Free Speech Union and Conservative peer
Zoe Williams – Journalist, columnist and author at The Guardian
The Vice-Chancellor will open and close the event, and the discussion will be moderated by David Isaac, Provost of Worcester College.

The series aims to promote freedom of speech and inclusive inquiry within the collegiate University.