Edinburgh Uni under pressure for hosting discussion on women's sex based rights

[GCatEdinburgh]

Scotsman article here

So far they have been firm re. protecting freedom of speech, but the pressure is escalating and will continue, and they will keep a close eye on the balance of negative/positive correspondence.

The event details are here.

If any of you could write in support of the event the key recipients would be the head of the School of Education Prof. Rowena Arshad ([email protected]) and the Principal Prof. Peter Mathieson ([email protected]).

Hope it's a great panel discussion with no disruption. Wish I could be attending it. Look forward to reading about it later.

Good luck today everyone, please feedback what you can for those of us who can't make it

Have emailed my support. Thanks for the contact details and heads up on this.

I will be there with a leopard print brolly that bears a passing resemblance to that ill-fated mumsnet scarf of legend.

LatinforTelly maybe just a little bonkers, but I did get the message and later in the pub quite a few of us swapped MN usernames. Putting faces to the names was interesting. And fun.

The campaign to prevent this happening has been concerted. So glad they’ve held faith and my one hope is that even one young female student goes along and LISTENS and learns the truth at the core of this debate. Women’s sex-based protections are being threatened - wanting to defend this does not mean you hate transgender people.

I still have my mumsnet scarf, although not with me, i'll keep my eyes open.

I only have my work id with me as I don't drive and my passport has expired, it's got my picture and my name on it but no branding, hope it's ok to get in.

I've got 2 fairly hinty badges on.
But couldn't find my Spartacus one.

Is there anywhere good to eat near there?
I love El Falafel but am with a no-sesame person.

Good luck all, hope it goes well. Up the wimmin|

I'm going. A little nervy about doing it alone given the protest plans but it won't stop me. I'm really looking forward to hearing the speakers.

I went to the Glasgow event which was great with no protestors that I noticed. The fact that they protest means they consider us important. It gives the meeting more publicity.

Good luck, all.

Good luck, I’m sure it will be great.

Actually not sure why I’m wishing you luck! Just if you are nervous about going I suppose.

Oh no, CharlieParley, I didn't mean it was a bonkers idea! It was a great idea and very kind of you. I know how busy you were and it felt very reassuring, had there been any trouble at the entrance. I just meant I felt a bit eccentric, like I was a middle-aged middle-of-the-road woman with a James Bond complex.

I'd have loved to have spent time in the pub and met some of you on here. Ah well, will hope there's another one soon.

Very much hope none of you attending tonight get any hassle going in

Fair crowd of protesters but no issues. Their helpful banner helped me find the right building. Very pleasant security also.

It was excellent, really glad I went.

Yes a great event. Brilliant speakers as well. There were a couple of obvious protestors in the audience but to be fair they listened without causing a distraction.

Great stuff. Protesters are fine so long as they're not pushing people/punching people/shouting abuse, etc.

And Mumsnet got mentioned as one of the few places online women can still talk about things that affect them.

Can't have been more than 30 or so protesting outside.

I was sitting on the left hand side, in front of the Leith Academy girls.

School trip?

Am reading that Julie Bindel was attacked leaving the event

Have read that she’s shaken but unhurt.

Terrible. Solidarity with Julie, hope she’s ok and it doesn’t put her off coming back to Edinburgh.
“Right side of history”, folks.