04/09/2026
Operation Black Vote (OBV) strongly welcomes Homerton College’s statement of support for Lord Simon Woolley.
It is the right, principled and necessary response.
Simon’s record, leadership and contribution speaks for itself.
He has demonstrated the merit, ability and standing to lead Homerton and has done so with distinction.
But we should be equally clear: the fact that Simon has had to endure this at all is unacceptable. Nor can his experience be viewed in isolation.
Indeed, it reflects the challenges faced by too many Black leaders and aspiring Black leaders across our institutions, professions, businesses and civil society.
Too often, Black people are required not only to demonstrate their ability and merit, but continually to prove their legitimacy and their right to be there.
That is why Homerton’s response matters. The College has done the right thing in standing unequivocally behind its Principal. But this must be more than a strategic response to the immediate controversy.
It must follow through in its entirety in how Simon is supported, how his leadership is enabled and how the institution responds to any continuing attempts to undermine him.
There is also a wider lesson here for institutions everywhere. When Black leaders / employees in general find themselves facing disproportionate scrutiny, challenge or attempts to undermine their legitimacy - institutions cannot simply stand on the sidelines.
They have a responsibility to act with integrity; to do what is right and honourable, not simply what is expedient.
For Operation Black Vote, that goes to the heart of our purpose.
It is not enough to open doors to Black leadership.
We must help create a society in which Black people can lead, progress and fulfil their potential knowing that the institutions they serve will ensure equity, anti racism and fairness and and stand by them when it matters.
We continue to stand by Simon at this critical moment.
