Professor Kathleen Stock has resigned from the University of Sussex following a prolonged dispute over her views on gender identity and transgender rights. The philosophy professor, who received an OBE in the 2021 New Year Honours, announced her departure after weeks of protests by students who called for her dismissal.
In an email to staff, Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell expressed regret over Stock's decision, stating that the university had hoped she would return to work and would have supported her. Stock, who has argued that biological sex should not be overridden by gender identity in law and policy, said the recent events made her return impossible. She described the period as 'absolutely horrible' for her and her family.
The university defended Stock's right to academic freedom and lawful free speech, noting that no substantive allegations of wrongdoing were made against her. A spokesperson emphasised that universities must remain places where everyone benefits from lawful freedom of speech, free from bullying and harassment, which had not been the case for Stock.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan condemned the 'toxic environment' at Sussex, calling it 'appalling' that Stock felt unable to continue. She urged other institutions to offer Stock a suitable position. Meanwhile, an Instagram account claiming to represent trans students at the university celebrated the resignation as a 'massive win'.
Stock had previously been advised by police to stay away from campus after the Sussex branch of the University and College Union called for an investigation into institutional transphobia. The students' union defended the right to protest, stating that trans and non-binary students had felt threatened and unsupported.
