Strong defence of free speech from new Oxford Vice-Chancellor

SamphiretheTervosaurReturneth · 10/01/2023 16:25

She talked about the importance of helping students engage with views they didn't agree with, and 'being able to deliver and receive criticism'.

Sad that they need this help at that age, but absolutely required for many, it seems.

Fingers crossed...

Internetstranger · 10/01/2023 16:57

Any student who can’t engage with views they don’t agree with shouldn’t be at university.

MotherOfCrocodiles · 10/01/2023 17:11

Everything she said in that interview was a great answer and came across as v genuine and not spin 👍

Original poster

PotteringPondering · 10/01/2023 20:20

If you'd told me a few years back I'd be getting excited about a university vice-chancellor defending free speech and encouraging students to engage with ideas they didn't personally like... I'd have thought you were unhinged.

OP posts:

ArabellaScott · 10/01/2023 21:02

About bloody time.

watchfulwishes · 10/01/2023 21:07

I'm a defender of free speech This is not an unusual view for a VC, this idea that free speech is dead is largely a moral panic. There are limited issues, but the stats don't match the Daily Fail headlines.

Berman · 10/01/2023 21:32

Oxford staff guidelines

I am emailing to clarify policies and guidance around the use of toilets in Section 3 and the wider xxx Libraries and University, and to draw your attention to information and resources that will help to ensure that all of our readers and staff feel welcome.

Within our xxxx libraries, only the accessible toilets are gender neutral, but readers and staff should feel able to use the facilities they are comfortable with, according to their gender identity. This is in keeping with wider University of Oxford Equality & Diversity policies. It is not appropriate to question someone’s gender or choice of toilets. If you are made aware of any such behaviour from library users or staff, or you receive any complaints or comments, you should clarify the above and also pass this on to me.

Staff should also be mindful that it might not be possible to determine a reader or colleague’s pronouns – she/her, he/his, they/them – from their appearance. If you make a mistake, simply apologise and try to get it right next time. If you’re not sure about how to navigate conversations without assuming someone’s gender, the EDU has some pointers on good practice in communication. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be courteous and considerate.

Additionally, do take a look at more general guidance available online around respecting and supporting trans members of the university, especially if this is something you are not very familiar with: edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/transgender-guidance. All staff should also have completed the online Equality & Diversity training course, so if you haven’t already, please make sure you have done this.

Grammarnut · 10/01/2023 21:50

Berman · 10/01/2023 21:32

Oxford staff guidelines

I am emailing to clarify policies and guidance around the use of toilets in Section 3 and the wider xxx Libraries and University, and to draw your attention to information and resources that will help to ensure that all of our readers and staff feel welcome.

Within our xxxx libraries, only the accessible toilets are gender neutral, but readers and staff should feel able to use the facilities they are comfortable with, according to their gender identity. This is in keeping with wider University of Oxford Equality & Diversity policies. It is not appropriate to question someone’s gender or choice of toilets. If you are made aware of any such behaviour from library users or staff, or you receive any complaints or comments, you should clarify the above and also pass this on to me.

Staff should also be mindful that it might not be possible to determine a reader or colleague’s pronouns – she/her, he/his, they/them – from their appearance. If you make a mistake, simply apologise and try to get it right next time. If you’re not sure about how to navigate conversations without assuming someone’s gender, the EDU has some pointers on good practice in communication. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be courteous and considerate.

Additionally, do take a look at more general guidance available online around respecting and supporting trans members of the university, especially if this is something you are not very familiar with: edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/transgender-guidance. All staff should also have completed the online Equality & Diversity training course, so if you haven’t already, please make sure you have done this.

That's a load of utter twaddle which needs changing. What are women supposed to do? Find an inaccessible toilet?

Berman · 10/01/2023 22:01

The accessible toilets are lockable cubicles with a sink. Most of them are disabled toilets with pull alarms, raised seats etc. This doesn't stop them from being used as lunchrooms or private offices

Grammarnut · 11/01/2023 16:35

Berman · 10/01/2023 22:01

The accessible toilets are lockable cubicles with a sink. Most of them are disabled toilets with pull alarms, raised seats etc. This doesn't stop them from being used as lunchrooms or private offices

Which means they may still be in an area unsafe for women on their own. Once outside the lockable cubicle where are they? And what is the chance of someone hiding behind a door in what must be quite a large cubicle? Is there CCTV and is it effectively monitored. If not then the place is unsafe.