Universities Fail to Protect Academics with Gender-Critical Views, Report Finds

A government-commissioned review has criticized universities for failing to protect academics who hold gender-critical views from harassment, finding that free speech and academic freedom have come under attack. The report, led by Professor Alice Sullivan of University College London, highlighted several high-profile cases of academics who faced harassment and intimidation for their views on sex and gender identity. The review called for universities to critically review their policies and practices, recommending that staff and students who engage in freedom-restricting harassment face consequences commensurate with the seriousness of the offense.

Key Takeaways:

• The report found that universities have failed to protect academics with gender-critical views from harassment, with several respondents suffering extreme personal consequences, including PTSD and extensive sick leave.
• The review cited evidence from academics, including Professor Kathleen Stock and Professor Jo Phoenix, who have challenged the theory that sex is always less important than gender identity.
• The report concluded that campaigns of harassment have had devastating consequences for individuals and created a wider chilling effect for academia and the research community.
• University policies have often adhered to the tenets of gender-identity theory, embedding discriminatory practices.
• The report recommended that senior leaders in higher education acknowledge the reality of bullying and harassment by internal activists and take on board the lessons of the Phoenix judgment.

Statistics:

• The University of Sussex was fined £585,000 for failing to uphold freedom of speech.
• An employment tribunal found that Professor Jo Phoenix was forced to quit her job at the Open University due to a "hostile environment" created by colleagues and insufficient protection from the university.
• 42% of respondents to the review reported experiencing harassment or intimidation due to their views on sex and gender identity.

Sources:

• A review led by Alice Sullivan, a professor of sociology at University College London (UCL), citing evidence from several academics, including Kathleen Stock and Jo Phoenix.
• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) under the former Conservative government.
• The Office for Students (OfS) investigation into the University of Sussex.
• The OfS fine of £585,000 to the University of Sussex.
• An employment tribunal judgment in favor of Professor Jo Phoenix against the Open University.