Since universities will have to take action to comply with the changes in legislation, this ruling may affect trans students at Warwick. We state our support for the trans community here.
How will this ruling affect us?
The UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling states that the ‘legal’ definition of sex should be based on biological sex, not gender identity. That does not mean that trans people are no longer protected – the ruling refers to sections of the Equality Act 2010 and maintains that trans rights are still defended.
However, transphobic discourse has become more prevalent, including harmful rhetoric that threatens trans people (especially trans women) and undermines their legitimate rights.
Since universities, including Warwick, will have to take action to comply with the changes in legislation, this ruling may affect trans students on campus, especially when it comes to single-sex spaces (there may be a requirement for sufficient single-sex bathrooms in buildings before Gender Neutral facilities can be added - read the Equality and Human Rights Commission’ interim update on implications).
The trans code of conduct and policies may be affected as well, considering the OfS’ approach to trans-inclusive policies at the University of Sussex over concerns of “freedom of speech” and “academic freedom”. Nonetheless, the laws that protect trans people from discrimination based on their gender identity will still hold, and we will keep fighting for their rights in this hostile environment.
Our Support:
We, as your officer team, feel that it is important to state our support for the trans community here. Your voices are heard, and we will do our best to carry them forward and continue fighting for your rights. Warwick SU will continue the proud traditions of trans allyship we have cultivated over the years, regardless of those who stand against them.
We are working with the National Union for Students to respond to the EHRC consultation on the Supreme Court ruling and are actively involved in their campaigns, including participating in the NUS Trans Day of Action this month.
We will also continue our trans-inclusive policy and outlook, including initiatives such as:
- The Gender Expression Fund
- Trans Accessible Sport programs with Warwick Sport
- Spaces on campus - committing to gender-neutral toilets in all new buildings on campus since 2017
- Trans education - Bespoke staff training for staff teams across the University
- Trans day of remembrance, trans awareness week, etc.
Additionally, we will empower new campaigns when and where we can.
To all our members who have felt attacked, distressed and worried about the implications of this ruling and the consequences of all the hatred being spread by transphobes and “gender-critical” TERFs, you are valid, and we stand with you.
Who to reach out to:
The best way to challenge the harmful effects of this ruling is to lobby Parliament by writing to your local MP and to support members of our queer community, especially Trans* Soc and Pride. We will be lobbying alongside you, but the more voices we raise, the better we’ll be heard on a national level.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination including transphobia, and urge our members to reach out to us if they are being targeted. If you or someone you know has been affected by harassment, please reach out to these support networks:
Support your trans communities on campus and reach out to: