Keble College Bursar Roger Boden has been accused of racism by a former chief accountant in an employment tribunal brought against the college.
Former Head of Accounts, Diamond Versi, accused Boden of racial discrimination and the college of unfair dismissal during the tribunal this week. The four-day tribunal overran on Tuesday and the case will resume on the 23rd February.
Boden has refuted all charges against him and categorically denied being racist.
Versi claims the college Bursar carried out a "personal vendetta" against him until he was made redundant in April last year. He had worked for Keble for over 15 years.
The tribunal heard Versi was not the only member of staff discriminated against; his lawyer said the reorganisation programme which led to his client's dismissal, was a "sham" designed to get rid of him because Boden was racially prejudiced. A college hearing and appeal both rejected Versi's claims. Versi refused to apply for the new post and the case was then taken to the employment tribunal.
Speaking exclusively to The Oxford Student, Roger Boden dismissed all allegations of racism and of any wrongdoing by Keble. He declared Mr Versi's accusations to be: "malicious and totally without foundation." He said: "I have absolutely refuted these claims all the way through. I do not think we acted improperly. The issue of race is really pernicious and I personally feel deeply wounded."
Boden is confident he will not be found guilty of racism: "During the tribunal it was very clear to me that the racial discrimination charge will fail. Diamond Versi's lawyer has acknowledged in court that he has no evidence of any actions I have taken that are discriminatory." Boden added: "there is a maximum award of £55,000 for unfair dismissal, but there is no limit if the dismissal was racially motivated."
Keble JCR President Mohsin Zaidi told this newspaper that the accusation of racism against Boden seemed, "ridiculous". He said: "As JCR President I have had to work very closely with Mr Boden and he has never been anything but welcoming."
Versi's solicitor, Joanna Smith, said her client would not comment on the case until a verdict is given.