The letter in support of students opposing Professor Stock’s appearance was written and organised by Addi Haran Diman, president of the Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society and doctoral researcher in politics at Lincoln College.
In a statement, Mr Haran Diman said the university had been “captivated” by apparently misleading press reports, adding: “We thank the academics who stand by us - the rapid and massive supportive responses completely overwhelmed us and will embolden our efforts.”
... the letter - signed after the SU saga - states Prof Stock’s appearance would not be “an open discussion or balanced debate” and states “trans students should not be made to debate their existence”.
The letter also insists “disinviting someone is not preventing them from speaking”, after supporters of Prof Stock said she had been de-platformed.
Prof Max Van Kleek, who was among signatories, said it was “critical” to support trans students to counter the “increased hostility, violence, and discrimination” they are faced with.
“The trans movement are not enemies of free speech; they have every right to protest speakers who frame them as anything but our full, valid, equals.”
The dons’ letter concludes: “Debate is essential for a vibrant democracy, and we champion it. But what the discourse needs now is more civil conversations and less bad-faith argumentation.
“The theoretical debate over gender does not matter - what matters is trans people’s basic living conditions, autonomy, dignity and respect. Freedom of speech matters, but we shouldn’t forget the right to protest. We call on the media and university to take trans voices seriously and treat them with respect.”
Article in the Telegraph republished by yahoo news Oxford University dons back trans students’ call to cancel gender-critical academic (yahoo.com)
(I tried to find existing thread but couldn't - sorry)