University of York (An Update)

[DrLouiseJMoody]

Hullo All,

For those who recall what happened with the University of York, I thought I'd update on some recent developments.

A brief recap is here:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/3759838-The-MOODY-PROBLEM

And I wrote an article here:

https://uncommongroundmedia.com/university-of-york-abolished-research-associate-position-to-silence-me/

The philosophy dept., having realised they had no basis to discipline me for calling Rachel McKinnon a man, suddenly removed everyone's Research Associate positions framing it as an "admin exercise."

I was immediately replaced as evidenced here (the date is when my post was removed):

https://www.york.ac.uk/institute-of-mental-health-research/our-members/staffmembers-artshumanities/robdavies/

Following (expensive!) advice, a letter before action was sent last September. Admittedly, it was days before the limitation period expired (six years from cause(s) of action) which was due to factors beyond my control (York have made much of this in their correspondence but it really was nothing to do with more than only being able to bring the case then).

They signed a Standstill Agreement, the purpose of which was to engage in alternative dispute resolution/mediation and avoid issuing proceedings (courts generally expect this).

They then ignored my solicitor for five months and, days before the agreement was due to expire, said they won't enter into discussion at all and threatened to pursue me for costs (absolutely not happening).

They reiterate the "admin exercise" excuse and said that the claim is now time barred.

So, I will be making a decision soon about whether or not to actually issue proceedings but, meanwhile, wanted to say something about the latest stunt that they have pulled which is effectively litigation abuse (they signed an agreement under false pretences).

These sorts of cases inevitably bring publicity and there's a question of whether I want public scrutiny (I still work with students and could really do without creating additional problems in an attempt to resolve one). I'll have more discussions with legal people and then make a final decision. York will very likely be penalised for their behaviour by the court if we proceed but there's obviously a rather lengthy and costly process to get to that point.

I post this here since some might have children considering York and it's worth knowing how they behave. An FB post made by the professor who was threatening me with a disciplinary before removing everyone's positions reveals, I think, their ingrained misogyny and dismissive attitude towards women in particular (I'm also aware of another case of unwanted behaviour towards graduate students which is unfortunately very common in academia).

I'm not annoyed as such since I expected an intransigent response. What I didn't expect was for them to sign an agreement under false pretences. And since I'm obviously quiet and diplomatic, thought it worth saying something.

Disciplinary action for calling a man a man — what a bunch of idiots. It doesn’t say much for their intellectual standards.

It seems to be standard practice by these misogynists to drag things out as long as possible. The process is the punishment.

Best of luck, Louise. Have you got a crowdfunder?

I'm sorry for all you're going through, I hope you win your case, it seems like a fight worth fighting.

I'm not sure I follow all of it but it sounds like you've got a good case, they appear to have 'sacked' you then immediately replaced you, and with a man I see.

Professor Alan Thomas sounds like a right tool, why did he get so caught up in getting rid of you? Academically he might deserve the title professor, but as a manager of a workforce he's woefully lacking in any managerial skills.

"I drew attention to how universities are now failing to uphold the principles of academic freedom because they are concerned about losing cash from the current generation of entitled spoon-fed woke students."

I can't tell you how much I agree with that ⬆️ Uni's all seem to have turned in to degree mills.

Wow @ the angry feminists comment. Speaks volumes doesn't it? Good luck, OP.

Hiya,

I don't think I could, in good conscience, start a Crowdfunder for what would be six figures (since they pretended to agree to mediation and are now saying "go to trial then."). I might see what my solicitor says about costs but, beyond that, the issue is finely balanced and I'm finally in a good place after everything.

York's arguments are:

• You're out of time, tough luck (yes but this is only because of their stunt which was deliberate).
• You can't prove it wasn't an admin cleanup (why replace my exact role on my project then?)
• Prove you lost income.
• Two weeks is sufficient notice to remove everyone's positions in any event.

There may be more things they'd argue but haven't put in writing. It was a short, one page reply after five months of ignoring my solicitor. So I'm still puzzling but will be fine whatever we decide 💛

Your union will, of course, be supporting you.

(Sound of hollow laughter and the clink of wasted subs)

Your bravery and your calm in the face of this are admirable, thank you, somehow. Whatever you decide I hope you will find a good wind.

Jo Grady posted at the time that action needed to be taken against me, so I obviously have no faith in official support. That and it's several years down the line. York are right that the timing isn't brilliant but we acted within the limitation period and there were, unlike them, no nefarious last minute intentions (three legals were/are involved with various absences over the summer).

I might be better off just publishing their correspondence and being done with it. Make sure it's what people see when they look for the dept. and people can make their own choices.

It remains disappointing that certain of the academics involved in this are people I conferenced, taught, and occasionally socialised with. Their roles are secure and they could speak more freely.

Only one of us paid the price.

I was working on a project related to my PhD with papers either under review or in progress (really normal at that point and under review can be a year or two!). My replacement has published absolutely nothing in seven years but seemingly remains employed. It's one back slapping boys club where mediocrity is rewarded if you're a man.

One of the more strategic aspects of the gender movement was to infiltrate the universities. Convert the next generation of policy makers, healthcare professionals and leaders across all fields and there would be no one stopping men from accessing women’s spaces or the medicalisation of children. ‘Queering the university’ ensures the movement itself remains the sacred caste in society forever.

It’s a clever strategy because once you get supposedly intelligent people to accept the concept that men can become women on the basis of feelings, aided and abetted by diversity goals and rankings, then it’s very difficult to get them to see any problems with those claims. Faculty often are extremely thin skinned and fixed in their views.

Supporters of gender ideology certainly seem to be the most nasty, devious and dishonest section of society. They are emboldened by it.

Wishing you all the best with your next steps Dr Louise.

Trades Unions should be sued into repaying the subs women have paid, they have never properly supported women, and have thrown actual women under the bus lately in the whole TRA nonsense. T U s- designed by men for men to screw women over in the workplace imo.

Why not report them to the Office for Students? Part of its job is upholding academic freedom of speech.

So sorry you are going through this.
On the up side, if it does go to a tribunal, the university's stalling and bad faith tactics are likely to rebound on them.
Was Jo Grady involved in the campaign against Prof Jo Phoenix? The name rings a bell.