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Oxford University denies it rejected Stormzy scholarship | Oxford University denies it rejected Stormzy scholarship |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The University of Oxford has denied claims it rejected an offer by Stormzy to fund two black students through a scholarship scheme. | The University of Oxford has denied claims it rejected an offer by Stormzy to fund two black students through a scholarship scheme. |
It told Radio 1 Newsbeat it "admires" his commitment but it had not "received or turned down any offer or proposal". | It told Radio 1 Newsbeat it "admires" his commitment but it had not "received or turned down any offer or proposal". |
It comes after Stormzy claimed the university rejected his scholarship idea - which has since been taken up by the University of Cambridge. | It comes after Stormzy claimed the university rejected his scholarship idea - which has since been taken up by the University of Cambridge. |
Newsbeat has contacted the rapper's representatives for a comment. | Newsbeat has contacted the rapper's representatives for a comment. |
At an event for his new publishing platform #Merky Books, Stormzy reportedly said he had approached Oxford with the idea. | At an event for his new publishing platform #Merky Books, Stormzy reportedly said he had approached Oxford with the idea. |
Dan Hancox, who has written a book about the story of grime, was at the event in London on Wednesday. | Dan Hancox, who has written a book about the story of grime, was at the event in London on Wednesday. |
In a statement, the university said: "Oxford University is committed to widening access and participation for all students from under-represented backgrounds. | In a statement, the university said: "Oxford University is committed to widening access and participation for all students from under-represented backgrounds. |
"We admire Stormzy's commitment to inspire and support black students to succeed in higher education. | "We admire Stormzy's commitment to inspire and support black students to succeed in higher education. |
"We have not received or turned down any offer or proposal to fund undergraduate scholarships at Oxford." | |
"We have contacted Stormzy's representatives today to clarify we would welcome the opportunity to work together on inspiring students from African-Caribbean heritage to study at Oxford." | |
Stormzy announced the scholarship on A-level results day at his old school in south London. | Stormzy announced the scholarship on A-level results day at his old school in south London. |
"It's so important for black students, especially, to be aware that it can 100% be an option to attend a university of this calibre," he said. | "It's so important for black students, especially, to be aware that it can 100% be an option to attend a university of this calibre," he said. |
The scholarship will pay for tuition fees and provide a maintenance grant for up to four years of an undergraduate course. | The scholarship will pay for tuition fees and provide a maintenance grant for up to four years of an undergraduate course. |
Cambridge and Oxford have both been criticised for not admitting many black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students. | Cambridge and Oxford have both been criticised for not admitting many black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students. |
In 2017, 17.9 per cent of new students who went to Oxford University were from a BAME background. | In 2017, 17.9 per cent of new students who went to Oxford University were from a BAME background. |
Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. | Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. |
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 every weekday on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra - if you miss us you can listen back here. | Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 every weekday on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra - if you miss us you can listen back here. |