Rosa Freedman challenges universities

[Jeanhatchet]

Brave and principled move www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lawyer-demands-inquiry-into-trans-gag-by-university-nbzf95wsc

Thank you for the link.
I hope that there will be many academics alongside Prof Freedman supporting this demand.
The determined targetting of women in so many arenas who have simply spoken out of the need to protect sex-based rights & Safeguarding needs to be brought out of the shadows & thoroughly examined.

(extract)
"Rosa Freedman, a professor at Reading University and one of the UK’s leading human rights experts, says senior university managers seeking to “silence, block and gag” are acting “in the style of tinpot dictators”.

Rosa Freedman is outstanding.

In UK academia we're so fortunate to have her, Jane Clare Jones, Kathleen Stock, Dr Fond of Beetles etc.

Share token: www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lawyer-demands-inquiry-into-trans-gag-by-university-nbzf95wsc?shareToken=21042bcc80a32ef9089615a5ef090340

I hope this inquiry happens. It is much needed.

current thread about credible threats made to Prof Selina Todd (Oxford) & the university's response:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3803784-Selina-Todd-threats-security-wrong-side-of-history-my-arse

Tom Slater Spectator article, 'The trans-sceptic academic who now needs bodyguards for protection'
concludes:
"Trans activists and their allies have become increasingly intolerant of late. But the more immediate problem is that they’re pushing at an open door. University authorities appear cowardly and defensive in the face of such threats, terrified of appearing ‘transphobic’, while these academics’ colleagues either join in the witch-hunt or keep their heads down.

It is this cowardice that risks ushering in intolerant mob rule on campus, of the sort that has cropped up in recent years at US colleges. Academics, whether they agree with Todd or Stock or Freedman or not, must show them some solidarity.

If they allow the boundaries of acceptable thought to be policed by these crazed ideologues, it won’t be long before they themselves are accused of wrongthink."

from current thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3804455-Spectator-article-on-hounding-of-academics

Finally got the comments to load on the Times article.

Good to see LangCleg namechecked.

Copied from the comments under the Times Article:

The Times , the paper of record, can lead the charge in exposing universities who shut down free speech on any issue, thus allowing fringe action groups to thwart our liberty. In the Times’ Good University Guide, have a constituent column exposing no platforming, and preventing free speech. Maybe then students and parents will begin to make choices. Universities will only change when their funding is challenged. University funding is a gravy train - challenge that, and watch the safe spaces disappear.

This is an excellent point. My kids are still very young but if I can afford to send them to university I will be choosing extremely carefully. Much like my charitable giving, I refuse to support organisations that provide a shield of respectability for misogynist attitudes and abuse.

Another interesting comment below that article

“Action on this matter is urgent. universities that have stifled speech around this issue should be put on special measures and ranked according to how intolerant they are. If they don’t improve in 6 months they need to have their public funding removed. Individual academics promoting “no debate culture” receive tax payer funding. Take it away! There is REF21 coming up. Include free speech status as part of impact”