Student in gender storm sues ‘woke’ uni for £25,000
A FORMER student threatened with disciplinary action after stating that ‘women have vaginas’ is suing a university for £25,000 compensation.
Lisa Keogh was the subject of an investigation by Abertay University bosses after fellow students complained about her comments, made during an online seminar on gender.
With classmates claiming Miss Keogh was being offensive to transgender women, the case sparked fierce debate over ‘cancel culture’.
Even though the Dundee university later dismissed the misconduct charge against her, the mother of two is suing the university for compensation for discrimination and breaching her human rights.
According to papers lodged with Dundee Sheriff Court by Miss Keogh’s legal team, she faced ‘vile’ comments from other students and was mocked by the course organiser.
The 29-year-old law graduate claims she has suffered mentally and financially as a result of the action taken against her.
Last night a source close to the case said it is crucial for the future of free speech in universities. Joanna Cherry, QC, has been instructed to represent Miss Keogh. Papers lodged on the graduate’s behalf indicate she was told last April of complaints against her following the seminar.
In the online discussion she said that women were not as strong as men and that trans women should not compete against biological women in contact sports.
She also said women were people born with female genitals and the ability to menstruate.
The Student Disciplinary Panel referred an allegation of misconduct to its board but it later concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the charge.
Miss Keogh claims the university discriminated against her because of her gender-critical beliefs and she alleges she was subjected to inappropriate treatment by peers who were not subjected to the same proceedings.
Miss Keogh last night declined to comment.