Rhodes will not fall: Oxford college to retain statue

FILE PHOTO: A statue of Cecil Rhodes, a controversial historical figure, is seen outside Oriel College in Oxford, Britain, June 18, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

LONDON (Reuters) - An Oxford University college said it would not remove a statue of the 19th century colonialist Cecil Rhodes that has been a target of British anti-racism protests due to high costs and complex heritage planning rules.

Oriel College has been under pressure for several years from the "RhodesMustFall" campaign which argues the statue on its facade glorifies racism. The movement stepped up again during last summer's global wave of anti-racism protests.