Oxford Prof Resigns After Finding Out School Named For Trump Donor
Image by iStockphoto
Bo Rothstein resigned from his endowed professorship in government at Oxford University after learning that his school had been named in honor of a supporter of President Trump who had donated tens of millions of British pounds to the institution.
“I’ve never had so much applause in my life,” said Rothstein, a Swedish-Jewish political scientist who has distinguished himself for his research on corruption, in comments to the Guardian.
He was a professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University, named for the Ukrainian-born Jewish billionaire Leonard Blavatnik.
Blavatnik, now a British citizen, donated the equivalent of almost $100 million to the institution. Blavatnik also donated $1 million to President Trump’s inaugural committee.
Rothstein said that he’s had a smooth landing since ditching Oxford, with many new job offers coming in.
“I’m not a big hero. I had a safe job to go back to in Sweden, so I’m not paying a high price for this,” he told the Guardian.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
