Trans activists have taken to social media to celebrate the resignation of University of Sussex professor Kathleen Stock, who quit after facing a campaign of 'bullying and harassment' over her views on gender identity. The philosophy professor announced her departure on Thursday, stating she hoped other institutions could learn from her experience.
Stock had been at the centre of controversy after arguing that gender identity does not outweigh biological sex in law and policy, and that people cannot change their biological sex. These views sparked student-led protests, with banners reading 'Stock Out' and posters accusing her of making trans students unsafe.
Following her resignation, an Instagram page called Antitfersussex, describing itself as an unaffiliated network of queer and trans students, posted a statement calling it a 'monumental victory' and saying 'good f*****g riddance'. Another post shared an image of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz with the caption 'Ding Dong the Witch is Dead'.
University Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell had vigorously defended Stock's right to academic freedom and lawful free speech, condemning the 'intolerance' directed at her. He said the university had hoped she would return to work but respected her decision to leave.
Stock's resignation has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over gender identity and academic freedom in UK universities, with more than 200 academics from other institutions signing a letter condemning the actions of 'trans activist bullies'.
