University of Sussex backs professor in free speech row

[survivalist]

Interesting both because of the topic, but because of the draft law that could force universities to be more proactive in terms of protecting and even promoting free speech.

The University of Sussex's vice chancellor has defended a professor after protesters tried to have her sacked for her views on gender identity.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-58841887

[voyds9]

Remember you agree with the minority or you are an -ist

I am getting the feeling that the agenda has swung so far so fast that over the last weeks it has hit a stop and is now bouncing back
There have been a few news stories like this one and a couple of businesses backing their employees and other companies refusing to change adverts etc.
Hopefully some common sense to return

[vetrof]

I've heard this week that Russell Brand is a right wing fascist and Dave Chapelle has white privilege.
Interesting perspectives.

[bitchstewie]

Just because some people complain doesn't automatically mean they're right.

If her employer thinks she's done nothing wrong they're right to back her.

[survivalist]

bhstewie said:

Just because some people complain doesn't automatically mean they're right.

If her employer thinks she's done nothing wrong they're right to back her.

I don’t think it’s a case of backing her. It’s a case of backing open, rational debate, rather than preventing it because pressure groups try to silence any debate surrounding their views.

Hopefully private employers will follow suit rather than instantly caving in to pressure as was the case with Maya Forstater.

[Northernboy]

In this case there’s really no “both sides”. Her views are mainstream, normal, acceptable, and should not cause this sort of campaign against her.

It’s not surprising, sadly, that she’s coming in for this abuse, but any decent person should be on her side.

[g3org3y]

survivalist said:

It’s a case of backing open, rational debate, rather than preventing it because pressure groups try to silence any debate surrounding their views.

Well done University of Sussex.

article said:

Prof Stock tweeted that students shouldn't "just expect to hear their own thoughts reflected back at them".

article said:

An anonymous campaign included posters accusing Professor Kathleen Stock of transphobia, a claim she rejects.

Standard MO in these debates.

[Gecko1978]

Facts v Feelings seems Facts won for a chnage

[AJL308]

What I think is ironic is that she is receiving st from anonymous, masked protesters for OPENLY publishing her opinions in her own name.

If the morons who are objecting cannot do so in their own names then that says a lot as to how much they actually believe in their position.

These protesters appear to be particularly odious and, quite honestly, not very bright. I think that the university needs to reasses its entrance criteria.

[Rivenink]

I've only really seen the news on this.

I can see why the university is backing the professor on principle of freedom of speech. I don't agree with them being asked to sack her based purely on her views.

I haven't read her book or seen much of what she has actually written and said, so its hard for me to form a judgment her views.

That said, what little I have seen suggests that she may be relying on some pretty weak science.

[Gecko1978]

Rivenink said:

I've only really seen the news on this.

I can see why the university is backing the professor on principle of freedom of speech. I don't agree with them being asked to sack her based purely on her views.

I haven't read her book or seen much of what she has actually written and said, so its hard for me to form a judgment her views.

That said, what little I have seen suggests that she may be relying on some pretty weak science.

Can you expand on your weak science thoughts I am genuinely interested

[LostM135idriver]

survivalist said:

Interesting both because of the topic, but because of the draft law that could force universities to be more proactive in terms of protecting and even promoting free speech.

The University of Sussex's vice chancellor has defended a professor after protesters tried to have her sacked for her views on gender identity.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-58841887

Of course they did, university lecturers have a legal right to academic freedom from the 1988 education reform act. A clause on this is in all our academic contracts.

s202 of the Education Reform Act 1988, says that academics enjoy freedom “within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial and unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges they may have at their institutions”.


One of the main reasons this whole anti-woke panic about how academic freedom is being surpressed is total nonsense. It is legally protected and has been for 30 years.

Edited by LostM135idriver on Saturday 9th October 07:15

[Northernboy]

Rivenink said:

I've only really seen the news on this.

I can see why the university is backing the professor on principle of freedom of speech. I don't agree with them being asked to sack her based purely on her views.

I haven't read her book or seen much of what she has actually written and said, so its hard for me to form a judgment her views.

That said, what little I have seen suggests that she may be relying on some pretty weak science.

How so?

Science is clear, we follow one of two antagonistic routes in-utero.

There are of course DSDs, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with trans issues.