Hundreds of individuals congregated outside the Oxford Union, voicing their opposition to a scheduled talk by gender-critical academic Kathleen Stock. The event drew heated reactions from students, with some considering her views on gender identity as transphobic. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent affirmation that the talk should proceed further ignited the already contentious debate.
The protest, organized by Oxford University’s LGBTQ+ Society, witnessed around 200 participants converging at Bonn Square before embarking on a short journey to the Oxford Union. While a police presence was observed, the demonstrations remained peaceful. The protestors clarified that their aim was not to suppress Stock’s freedom of speech but rather to express concerns about the Oxford Union providing a platform for anti-trans sentiments.
Inside the venue, the talk faced interruptions as two trans rights activists were escorted out by security. Another protester resorted to gluing themselves to the floor. Despite the disruptions lasting approximately half an hour, some members of the audience expressed their support for Stock and urged her to continue speaking. The controversy surrounding the event led to a clash between those advocating for free speech and those asserting that it perpetuated a campaign of hate against transgender individuals.
Professor Stock, who left her position at the University of Sussex in 2021 due to student protests after publishing a book questioning the social significance of gender identity over biological sex, refuted claims that her views constituted hate speech. She maintained that expressing the belief that males cannot be women, while recognizing others’ differing opinions, does not qualify as hate speech. According to Stock, the confrontation of controversial and challenging ideas is necessary in fostering public discourse and avoiding widespread resentment.
Dr. Michael Biggs, an associate professor of sociology, emphasized the importance of exposing students to opposing viewpoints, asserting that censorship on campus undermines the essence of universities. Dr. Biggs recounted personal experiences of attempts to organize meetings on the Gender Recognition Bill in Scotland, only to face shutdowns. Concerns about student reactions have led many academics to shy away from teaching about sex and gender, a trend that Dr. Biggs believes needs to be addressed.
The LGBTQ+ Society, which had vehemently opposed Stock’s invitation, disclosed receiving death threats and enduring online abuse. The society’s president, Amiad Haran Diman, denounced the harassment and emphasized that the protest aimed to protect fundamental rights and promote trans inclusivity rather than perpetuate hate. Despite supporting free speech, Zoë-Rose Guy, the society’s vice-president, highlighted the privilege associated with speaking at the Oxford Union and urged an examination of the exhausting nature of constantly justifying one’s existence as a trans person.
The controversy surrounding Kathleen Stock’s talk at the Oxford Union has ignited a broader discussion on free speech, trans rights, and the role of universities in fostering open debates. As opposing factions clash over differing perspectives, the event serves as a crucial catalyst for introspection and examination of the challenges faced by marginalized communities within academic environments.