Oxford college drops ‘draconian’ code of conduct from trans event
Camilla Turner
Ewan Somerville
AN OXFORD college has rowed back on its code of conduct for a transgender discussion following criticism that it was closing down free speech.
Merton College advertised its forthcoming “Equality Conversation” event by saying it would explore “perspectives on trans intersectionality”.
Yet in order to reserve a place at the event, attendees were obligated to sign up to a code of conduct which stated they must “refrain from using language or putting forward views intended to undermine the validity of trans and gender diverse identities”.
Academics told The Daily Telegraph earlier this week that Merton College was adopting a “draconian” stance towards free speech by “suppressing gender-critical thought”.
Prof Selina Todd, a historian at the University of Oxford, had said she was “stunned” by the event’s rules, adding that they set a “dangerous precedent”. Last night the College removed the code of conduct from the event page and replaced it with a statement in support of free speech.
It said: “The university and college prioritise the protection both of academic freedom and of their members from unlawful discrimination.
‘I’m really glad Oxford has responded so quickly to make sure the value of academic freedom is upheld’
We seek to foster a culture of robust expression of opinion and debate that does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation.
“We and the university are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse environment and to ensuring that all our staff and students, including LGBTQ+ members of the community, are able to thrive and realise their potential.” The statement went on to say that the college wanted to foster an “inclusive culture and a workplace” as well as a learning environment that “prizes academic freedom while being free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation”.
Prof Kathleen Stock, a philosopher from the University of Sussex, welcomed the move, saying: “I’m really glad Oxford has responded so quickly to make sure the value of academic freedom is upheld, and legal duty complied with.
“If I give a talk criticising the idea of an inner feeling of gender identity, I expect the audience to be able to disagree – the same should apply to academic events supportive of the idea of gender identity.”
Speakers at the Merton event include Freddy Mcconnell, a transgender man who attempted to create legal history by having his baby become the first to legally not have a mother.