Leeds University students want gender pronouns to be used in meetings and events
Leeds University’s vice-chancellor and other top employees should use their preferred gender pronouns when presenting themselves in meetings, according to staff and students.
They also want vice-chancellor Simone Buitendijk’s preferred gender pronouns to be stated in her email signature. Both steps, the students and faculty wrote in a letter, would show support for the institution’s transgender community. The signatories of the letter also claimed that the university has a “deeply ingrained culture of transphobia.”
The university was asked to “rapidly address and effectively fix the current discriminatory situation,” according to the letter, which was received in August.
The letter claimed that there was a “hostile climate for trans personnel and students” in school, according to The New York Times.
This assertion is refuted by the university.
“A culture that supports the sharing of pronouns when, for example, in meetings and seminars,” the letter requested.
“We strongly reject that we have created a ‘hostile environment’ for transgender staff and students,” the institution said. “However, we recognize that we need to do more to address the issues that have been raised, and we are working with our community to do so.
“We are committed to ensuring that all people benefit from equality, diversity, and inclusion. Whether you use pronouns in emails or meetings, it’s a personal decision. We don’t have any policies on this, but we do offer support and resources to help you make an informed decision.”
Ms. Buitendijk took over the position at the start of the school year in September.
It comes after a lecturer at the University of Sussex resigned after a controversy erupted over her views on gender identification. Kathleen Stock, a professor of philosophy at the University of Sussex, has been accused of transphobia and has faced calls to resign.
Following the effort to remove Prof Stock from her job, the vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex stated earlier this month that the university will not accept threats to “academic liberties.”
Prof Stock later announced her departure from the University of Sussex, citing “an utterly dreadful moment” and “a very tough several years” as reasons. Prof Stock was fired after an anonymous group, allegedly formed by students, initiated a campaign to get her fired over her views on gender identification.
Posters calling for Prof Stock’s dismissal were posted near the university, and a photo of an activist holding a banner reading “Stock Out” appeared on social media.
“The university has been constant and clear that everyone in our community has the right to work and learn, free from bullying and harassment of any type, which has not been the case for Professor Stock,” Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell wrote in an email to all staff.
“We hoped and expected Professor Stock to be able to return to work, and we would have encouraged her to do so.”
“She has decided that this will not be possible due to recent events, and we appreciate and understand her decision.”
Michelle Donelan, the Universities Minister, described it as a “sad day for freedom of speech” and emphasized the necessity of the Government’s Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill getting through Parliament.
