Criminology professor accused of ‘transphobia’
Academic probed by bosses at university for saying jails should remain single sex
ASTAFFORDSHIRE University academic is being investigated for ‘‘transphobia’’ by bosses after he posted a message about keeping prisons single sex.
Criminology professor James Treadwell is being “investigated for transphobia” after complaints over his “Twitter conduct”.
It comes after the academic posted a tweet two weeks ago, which included the comment: “I cannot see any case for now why we should do anything but keep prisons single sex.”
He received a number of replies criticising his view, including one which said: “You’re a TERF who cares more about punishing trans women than helping the cis ones. Hope that helps.”
To which Prof Treadwell replied: “Isn’t ‘Terf’ Trans Exclusive Radical Feminist? So I kind of think I am not, but nice of you to label me so, cheers oh one who so stands against the harmful labels applied without the consent of the recipient .... ”
But the professor, who has worked at the university since 2017, says he has not yet been told what the complaint refers to.
He tweeted last week, saying he was “angry and upset” and was leaving Twitter: “Right, I am gone again. Do not feel I can say why now, but I expect some may guess. I am available through email or to those who have my number. Meanwhile keep valuing rationality, freedom and reasonable debate, it’s supposed to matter. Bye all. This time I may not be back.”
He added later: “Ok, to hell with it. I have been told by my employer Staffordshire University, albeit only verbally, that I am being investigated for transphobia after formal and official complaints about my Twitter conduct. Read my tweets. Go figure. It’s a good job cancel culture is just a myth though, right?
“I am angry and upset. Not only do I have no details of what it is alleged, I honestly have tried to be balanced and reasonable and promote fair debate.
“Let’s be clear again, Trans people like all people deserve dignity and respect. Academics giving their personal views do too.
“This is where we are at in debates now. This is the landscape academics operate in. I am a pretty legally savvy one who tries to act respectfully and decently.
“Hell, yes I can be brusque, opinionated and stubborn. But I respect
I’ve never backed away from bullies. I don’t intend to now. Criminology Professor James Treadwell
anyone’s right to disagree and hold a different view.
“But we have entered a place where that isn’t enough. Oddly literally nobody has approached me directly to debate my stance or views.
“They have clearly, however, gone to my employer wanting me sanctioned or sacked. Nice to know that this is how open and inclusive the politics is.
“This is why I am gone from Twitter irrespective at the end of all this. I am only staying now and keeping this the account for now because I am anxious and fear a fight ahead, but I will not shut up and go down quietly.
“I’ve never backed away from bullies. I don’t intend to now.
“But a last thing, because this bit really matters academics. If this can happen to me it can happen to any of you.
“It can certainly others at the start of their career. Universities want us on social media, but is your back covered? Who has it?”
A Staffordshire University spokesman said: “We can confirm we have received a complaint about views expressed by Professor Treadwell on
Twitter. As we would do normally, this is in the process of being reviewed in accordance with the university’s procedures.
“As a university we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure we promote a positive culture where everyone is able to be themselves. We are equally committed to academic freedom and lawful freedom of speech.”