Academic quits ‘toxic’ university

SUSSEX University was branded a ‘toxic environment’ by a minister last night after trans rights activists hounded an academic out of her job.

Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, said Kathleen Stock’s position had been made ‘untenable’ by the harassment she faced.

The philosophy professor yesterday announced she was quitting following a vicious campaign by students to get her sacked for her views. Professor Stock, from Aberdeen, said she wanted to put the ‘horrible time’ behind her.

The activists branded her ‘transphobic’ because she is sceptical about allowing male-bodied people into women-only places, such as prisons.

In January, hundreds of academics criticised the decision to award her an OBE for services to higher education in the New Year Honours, due to her views.

Miss Donelan said: ‘It is absolutely appalling that the toxic environment at the University of Sussex has made it untenable for Professor Kathleen Stock to continue in her position there.

‘This incident demonstrates only too clearly why this Government is pressing ahead with legislation to promote and defend free speech on campuses.’

Professor Stock was advised by police to hire bodyguards and install CCTV after anonymous students targeted her.

Earlier this month, posters calling for her to be fired appeared on campus, while masked figures let off flares and held banners saying: ‘Stock Out’.

In an email to all staff yesterday, Professor Adam Tickell, Sussex University’s vice-chancellor, said: ‘The university has been consistent and clear that everyone in our community has the right to work and learn, free from bullying and harassment of any kind, which has not been the case for Professor Stock. Her departure is a loss to us all.’