Trish Denning

An Oxford professor has cancelled lectures following abuse and disruption by pro-trans protesters. Associate Professor of Law Dr Michael Foran has been forced to cancel a series of lectures because of what he described as “escalating disruptive protests” by trans activists. Dr Foran, an expert in equality law, was cited in last year’s landmark Supreme Court ruling which confirmed that, in law, the definition of a woman is based on biological sex rather than gender identity. The lecture series, open to Oxford students and members of the public, explored themes from his new book, Sex, Gender Identity and the Law. Rather than engage with his arguments, a group of activist students chose to disrupt the events. Dr Foran said: “This is deeply lamentable, but disruption has undermined the academic nature of this series. “Students should not face bullying or harassment for attending academic events.” He added: “It is unfortunate that these protesters have chosen disruption over genuine intellectual engagement grounded in academic charity and rigour. In attempting to shame students into de-platforming these lectures, they embody the antithesis of what a university stands for.” At the first lecture on 29 May, two activists walked to the front of the lecture theatre and began addressing the audience as Dr Foran prepared to speak. One protester claimed Dr Foran “masks his transphobia behind a thin veneer of academia”, adding: “If you are here in a critical capacity to challenge his ideas, that is not the same as refusing to platform him. He will not be convinced by your arguments. Please join me in walking out and refusing to platform this bigot.” We are witnessing a growing crisis on university campuses, where academics and students face sustained campaigns of intimidation from activists unwilling to engage in debate. While the University of Oxford says it is “committed to freedom of speech, academic freedom and respectful debate”, it must do more to uphold those principles. Read more below 👇