OU caves to bullies

[TowelNumber42]

Sad to see the Open University caved to intimidation by transactivists and cancelled a conference on prison reform.

I didn't notice anything in the media where they tried to appeal for the bullying to stop. Nor does it seem they involved the police.

I hope the OU gets quizzed publicly by the press about their willingness to stifle debate when a handful of angry men with a lot to lose from sunlight get a cob on.

www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2019/03/20/open-university-forced-cancel-conference-following-threats-transgender

www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2019/03/20/open-university-forced-cancel-conference-following-threats-transgender

The OU weren't forced to cancel. They CHOSE to cancel.

Capitulation throughout the nation

The Open University faced quite significant pressure from transgender activists. They received a number of emails where some of the language was extraordinarily overheated

And they call us fascists! They are the ones shutting down debate with threats.

They are probably caving to the same group of a few dozen people. Fundamentalist people, but their numbers won't be great.

So ridiculous.

Aimee Challoner is the OU LGBTalphabetsoup student rep.

Aimee Challoner's father is in prison for sex crimes committed against a child.

extract from article:
"Last month, the CCJS released a statement on transgender prisoners which said that prison service has “a duty to provide fair, decent and respectful provision for trans prisoners”.

It went on: “Given the current state of the prison system, in the case of trans women prisoners, we consider that this can best be achieved through the provision of accommodation that is separate from female prisoners.”

The CCJS statement was released following the case of transgender prisoner Karen White, a convicted rapist and paedophile who was born a man but used a transgender persona to attack female prisoners in a women’s prison.The prison service has since apologised over failings in the case.

The organisation came under attack from transgender activists who claimed that their recommendations support “state-sanctioned murder”, a reference to the cases of transgender prisoners in male prisons who have committed suicide.

After the conference was announced, it is understood that activists who had targeted CCJS turned their gaze to Open University by threatening to disrupt the event. " (continues)

Is this the organisation that Richard Garside represents? He tweeted a very significant comment recently.

The CCJS are seeking views with regards female estate prisons and who should be housed there:
www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/news/statement-transgender-prisoners?
thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3519790-statement-on-transgender-prisoners-centre-for-crime-and-justice-studies

Also isn't there a link with Aimee Challenor and the OU student representatives, I have a memory that either AC or one her partners is an OU student rep?

AstonishedFemalePersonato

Sorry & thank you.... cross post!

Comments underneath the article are all calling out the batshit situation.

You're welcome, R0wan!

Would be great if as many women as possible would complete the CCJS request for views about who should be housed in female prison estate.

Female prisoners are very vulnerable and do not seem to have the lobby power, voice, legal resources etc that male prisoners who are transgender seem to enjoy.

Many unpleasant transphobic comments under that article. Makes the Mail seem positively liberal in contrast.

Info re Aimee Challenor is the Trans Students representative for Open University.
Challenor's capability and failure to understand Safeguarding was identified in the recent Veritas Report commissioned by The Green Party:

"OU Student Association:
'In 2017, our student leadership team, Trustees and staff worked collectively to devise our strategic plan for the next three years through to 2020. The final strategy was approved by the Central Executive Committee and ratified by the Board of Trustees in July 2017.

Through the progression of the three core objectives contained within the strategy, we want to ensure that OU students get the most out of their time with The Open University and that their collective voice is heard and acted upon by the institution and by their Students Association. We aim to raise awareness of our services and achievements, provide a sense of belonging and connectedness and create a greater range of diverse opportunities for many more OU students than ever before. We also aim to be more effective at representing the OU student voice, not just within the University but in the wider external environment'

We believe that the student community and student voice are crucial aspects of what makes the OU a special organisation and we look forward to furthering the engagement and inclusion of all OU students in the transformation of this unique institution.

All of this couldn’t be achieved without the dedication of our numerous volunteers, as the Students Association is ultimately run by students, for students.'

INTRODUCING THE NEW COMMITTEE FOR PLEXUS - OUR LGBT+ GROUP
Following the recent recruitment campaign PLEXUS, our LGBT+ group, is pleased to announce the new members of your PLEXUS Committee 2018.

The Officers, including the Chair of PLEXUS are supported by five Caucus Representatives. Their role is to represent different communities within the LGBT+ community.

Top Right: Aimee Challenor, Trans Students

PLEXUS New Committee Member 2018 – Biographies
"Trans Students Representative – Aimee Challenor
Aimee is a trans equality campaigner from Coventry. In 2014 Aimee came out as transgender whilst at college aged 16. Since coming out Aimee speaks openly about her experiences as a young trans woman, and campaigns for acceptance without exception. She's a trustee of Coventry Pride, and a member of Stonewall's Trans Advisory Group. At the Open University she's studying for her BA (Hons) in History and Politics. You can find out more about her at www.aimeec.co.uk"

threads
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3474311-Veritas-report-due-tomorrow-Thursday-at-midday-re-Aimee-Challenor?pg=25

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3477761-Andrew-Gilligan-Times-Green-high-flyer-Aimee-Challenor-hid-father-s-rape-charges-David-Challenor-A-paedophile-rapist-posed-a-major-safeguarding-risk-for-almost-two-years

Meg John Barker is also Open University, but I doubt they and Challenor have much influence on wider policies.

These people are terrorists and should be dealt with as such.

I’ve completed, thanks R0wan.

Meg John Barker is also Open University, but I doubt they and Challenor have much influence on wider policies

Aimee Challenor has proved very effective at influencing policies in many areas.

So too Edward Lord (Meg John Barker's partner)

It's also being reported that Cambridge University has withdrawn an offer of a visiting fellowship to Jordan Peterson:

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/20/cambridge-university-withdraws-visiting-fellowship-academic/?li_source=LI&li_medium=li-recommendation-widget

The government clarified only last month the legal obligations of universities in relation to the protection of free speech. It looks like reports need to be made to the Office for Students as these institutions are in breach of the law.

Why would anyone give Challenor a job after the damning outcome of the Green's investigation?!

That's a lawsuit or PR disaster just waiting in the wings for the OU. I hope they gave Aimee a fuckton of safeguarding training to at least protect themselves a little.

If Aimee were gay but not trans no way any LGBT organisation would put her in a position of responsibility after what she did and her total failure to apologise in any meaningful way.

Why would anyone give Challenor a job after the damning outcome of the Green's investigation?!

AC seems to enjoy the ongoing full support of Stonewall and prominant TRAs in Lib Dems (there is significant overlap)

AC seems well protected.

Didn't the OU do any due diligence of their own though ?

Im not sure anyone does due dilligence with regards TRAs.

Its very peculiar.