New Sussex University Vice Chancellor

[SelfCakering]

The previous one left recently, shortly after (rather too belatedly) supporting Kathleen Stock.

Sasha Roseneil from UCL has just been appointed. This (annoying) article suggests she might have some interesting things to say: thetab.com/uk/london/2022/01/31/some-ucl-staff-who-voted-to-not-rejoin-stonewall-may-have-done-so-on-transphobic-grounds-44275

"Sex and gender are fundamental categories of analysis and we have to talk about them- thats not transphobic, that would be like saying it would be racist to talk about race.

“What was expressed at the academic board was complex. It was about the important issue of sex-based rights. It wasn’t a question of questioning trans people’s existence.

“The opposition to Stonewall was about the interventions Stonewall has made around sex… The implications of that for people being able to do their research. It was about the collective data on sex. "

Too late for Kathleen of course but hopefully signals a change

To clarify, the above quotes relate to UCL's decision to leave Stonewall

This is hopeful - and she seems to have a thorough and fair grasp of all the issues.

This is rather important. It appears backing down is no longer the 'right thing to do'. They are making a distinction between 'transphobia' and the right to talk about, discuss, research sex.

It's good to see the Vice Chancellor continuing the pursuit of academic freedom and integrity. I wonder what all those more extreme academics are thinking - no chance of an about turn I suppose. We do have to disregard Bristol & Brighton who will become the people's front in the fight against facts

@highame

This is rather important. It appears backing down is no longer the 'right thing to do'. They are making a distinction between 'transphobia' and the right to talk about, discuss, research sex.

It's good to see the Vice Chancellor continuing the pursuit of academic freedom and integrity. I wonder what all those more extreme academics are thinking - no chance of an about turn I suppose. We do have to disregard Bristol & Brighton who will become the people's front in the fight against facts

Sussex Uni is in Brighton. And has always been v 'woke'. Hence why Kathleen Stick had such a hard time. So this does seem significant

” was about the important issue of sex-based rights. It wasn’t a question of questioning trans people’s existence. The opposition to Stonewall was about the interventions Stonewall has made around sex.”

Clear, honest and precise. No grovelling or pleading for a few little crumbs from the men’s rights table. I think University College London has a strong feminist element, and of course UCL has a reputation and tradition of debate. I hope Sasha Roseneil can instil that into Sussex University. Much needed.

I agree this sounds positive.

Perhaps with the enquiry they’ve realised that they’ve monumentally fucked up and they need to get someone in who is prepared to defend academic freedom and put their foot down when confronted by petulant students and bullying lecturers.

Definitely sounds hopeful. Good to see her cutting through the hyperbole so incisively.

@Doobeedoobee so busy being pleased about the Vice Chancellor that I forgot about the fact that Brighton is in East Sussex. Ironic or what!

From a quick Google it seems Sasha was the founder of the Centre of Gender Studies at Leeds, which (perhaps wrongly) makes me a bit sceptical. But I really hope she can bring some balance, as it sounds she might.

I was rather hoping they'd have plumped for a Biologist!