Statement of solidarity with Prof Kathleen Stock

[VillKrill]

Apologies if this has already been shared - wanted to post the link to this statement in case any academics/students/alumni would like to add their support:

docs.google.com/document/d/11ZNAyfkeaPPzLd5PyEvM2NTV4SBphOWr-ueofTrtLu4/edit?usp=sharing

I signed it using my real name and full affiliation.

I'm actually quite scared because my entire department has bought all the woke with extra topping.

Try not to be scared. Lots of people of all academic ranks have signed with their full names and affiliations (me included, for the first time). It's important to stand up and be counted. I am still on probation so I really am frightened but we ARE allowed to stand up to bullying and to have a viewpoint. And to be honest, I am so weary of trying to research sex and inequality from within academia that almost any other job is beginning to look appealing. I am constantly looking for something else to do.

I signed with my real name and Uni - but I made sure I got my results and officially completed my MA before I did.

There will be certain people who will search out every person from their UNI and try to get them cancelled.

You’re only ok if you’ve got support really. Or possibly a man.

I'm not scared, thankfully, just confused! Can anyone share what they think the organisers mean by "role"?

Should I write my job title (boss is a massive TERF so it's fine, I won't get sacked!)

Or should I put "Alumni" as that's how I relate to university?

I don't understand what they want there and it's a required field. What have others done?

Cheers :)

I think 'alumni' is appropriate although if your role is relevant in context it probably would not hurt to include it.

If you have or have had a role in relation to education or a university put that (one woman was a university cleaner which made me cheer). Otherwise just put alumna. Unless you have a job which in your experience people think is impressive so you think there is something to gain from saying it.
It’s less important what that you put tha

I've signed, thanks for sharing. Excited to see some other names from my uni/employer. Feels good.

I no longer work in HE but have signed with my previous job title.

Signed

@TheCountessofFitzdotterel

If you have or have had a role in relation to education or a university put that (one woman was a university cleaner which made me cheer). Otherwise just put alumna. Unless you have a job which in your experience people think is impressive so you think there is something to gain from saying it. It’s less important what that you put tha

Sorry, got called into an appointment and it must have posted in my handbag. I was going to say it’s less important what you put as your role than just that you do it. Not worth overthinking the details.

Spotted one of my old lecturers on there. Bloody brilliant.

The thing is, what we are actually signing is something that shows that we care about academic freedoms. People will be signing this who don't really know where they stand on the sex and gender debate but the important thing is that academics can research and produce papers that will offend people but that is what academia is for, critical thinking and being able to debate and research anything. Signing this doesn't mean that you are gender critical, it means that you understand the importance of academic freedoms.

Protecting academics and allowing academics to produce counter arguments and hash out sensitive issues like this is key to learning, to policy, to everything.

Is anyone else worried that they have put their real name on there? I am 100% sure that I did the right thing and I don't have a job where my opinion on this issue matters but someone said the list will be trawled by haters. How has it come to this?

I have signed letters before and never had any come back. There are far more interesting and important people than me on there. And the more signatories the less likely anyone will either notice or feel emboldened to try anything.

@TheCountessofFitzdotterel thank you. I did think that and it's not the only letter. It is up to 2000 almost now I think.

Signed. But I am downhearted about universities. This isn't traditional student idealism, which aimed to change the world for the better. Often totally unrealistic, but with good intentions.

It's the opposite now. These little emperors at Sussex, and in so many other places, put themselves at the centre and want to force the world to obey them. Anyone who disagrees must be punished, sacked, terrorised. That's sort of funny when they're two years old, but in 20-year-olds it is truly disturbing.

2514 today.

@RightsHoardingRaptor

I've been out of academia for a while & often think of my old students. I lectured some feminist politics & taught women & girls who had escaped abusive relationships, left oppressive marriages or families that didn't support them to come to university etc. I think of the days when we talked material reality & hope they remember it & it's helped them.

Silly as it sounds it never occurred to me that some of them might see my name on there, remember me & be heartened that I've held the line (unlike some of my peers, many of whom agree with Kathleen, but dare not say it.) I only thought of that when I read your comment.

I might have a doctorate but I'm not the sharpest eh?!