Skip to main content
UCU needs to defend freedom to discuss sex and gender
Universities need to be able to facilitate public discussion, which is part of their civic duty, without hostility, writes SHEREEN BENJAMIN
A general view of the University of Edinburgh's main library

EARLIER this year a motion supporting academic freedom to discuss sex and gender was narrowly defeated by the University and College Union (UCU) at its Higher Education Sector Conference.

At first glance this seems baffling — why would a union representing academics vote against academic freedom?

Indeed, why was it even considered necessary to bring such a motion to conference when support for academic freedom is one of UCU’s core principles?

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Women's rights campaigners in Westminster, London after taking part in a march from the Royal Courts of Justice calling for decriminalisation of abortion, June 17, 2023
International Women's Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

Professor MARY DAVIS argues that feminism has been hollowed out by liberal co-option – and only a revival of socialist, class-based politics can restore International Working Women’s Day’s original, radical purpose

International Women’s Day 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

Half a century after transformative laws reshaped Britain, women’s rights are again contested. This International Women’s Day is a call to remember how change was won, and to organise to defend it, says KATE RAMSDEN

feminists
Books / 28 August 2025
28 August 2025

WILL PODMORE welcomes the case put by a feminist, disentangling the abusive rhetoric of the trans rights debate

WLA launch speakers
Features / 28 June 2025
28 June 2025

Sisters came together last weekend for the landmark launch of a new women’s group. ROS SITWELL reports