Mick Hartley

The Oxford-Kathleen Stock debacle gets even more pathetic:

In its 200-year history as a prestigious debating chamber the Oxford Union has hosted world-famous speakers including Mother Theresa, Albert Einstein and Desmond Tutu. But now it is being ostracised by the University of Oxford’s student union, which has accused it of fostering a toxic environment that has led to bullying and sexual harassment.

The student union voted to sever fiscal ties with the OU, banning it from its freshers’ fair, which could put a strain on the debating organisation’s finances. It is the first time such action has been taken.

It comes as a number of Oxford university colleges voted to oppose the OU’s speaking invitation this month to Professor Kathleen Stock, despite the union defending its commitment to free speech and even offering welfare support to those attending….

The junior common room at Christ Church, one of the wealthiest colleges, described the philosophy professor as a “notorious transphobe” and said that, if she spoke, the union would be “complicit and responsible in spreading transphobic rhetoric”. It says this will further a culture of transphobia in the university as well as “boosting the career of a dangerous and unreliable transphobe”. At least four other colleges have also issued statements.

"A dangerous and unreliable transphobe”! It's like a cult, spouting mindless abuse at those who threaten to puncture their beliefs. No, it is a cult.

Stock said in response on Twitter: “Reminder for brave, resilient types who think they can bear to face my ideas on gender identity — my book is on a Kindle deal for 99p at the moment. Extra counselling is available for Oxford students affected by this news.”