Aberdeen University students in trans row publish open letter

An open letter published several weeks ago details a range of issues; including the posting of 'transphobic hate material' on a break room noticeboard and the vandalism of trans-inclusive and anti-racist posters with 'penis stickers'.
Trans righs have come to the fore at many universities. (Image: Unsplashed) The letter also calls for a 'concrete action plan' from university management, asking for 'the implementation of disciplinary processes for people who break school policies on discrimination and harassment', an 'externally-led diversity and inclusion audit', and 'mandatory trans-inclusive EDI training for all staff'.
The Herald understands that issues between gender-critical and trans-inclusive academics and students in the department have festered for years, and have intensified over the last eighteen months.
A public controversy ensued in February 2024 when SBS management invited prominent gender critical broadcaster Simon Fanshawe to lead a session on diversity training.
The event with the academic and writer, who also serves as the Rector of Edinburgh University, was cancelled a week later after backlash by students and staff within the school.
Fanshawe, who co-founded Stonewall in 1989, has rubbished the LGBT rights charity in recent years, labelling it as a "propaganda machine" which 'preaches extreme and divisive gender ideology under the guise of 'factual' information'.
Academic and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe In an open letter originally published in May 2024, students involved with the 'Decolonising SBS' group wrote:
'We insist you offer an apology to students and staff in SBS for the organisation of the event, as well as an explanation as to why this event was cancelled, and take concrete steps to ensure future decisions on EDI issues are handled appropriately and transparently.'
Now, a year later, students say their requests have been ignored.
A statement reads: 'As of the 23 of April, 2025, we have yet to receive any response. We believe the continued silence of School management requires us to publish the below letter and invite students and academics who support our demands to add their names in solidarity.
'We hope that doing so will highlight to our department the urgent-course correction needed to rebuild trust and ensure the safety and well-being of the School's transgender students and staff in line with university policy and UK equality law.'
The updated letter has been signed by more than 250 students and academics from across the UK.
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Meanwhile, students have spoken out about their experiences on social media.
PhD candidate Rowan Kuminski wrote on Bluesky: 'Aberdeen Uni has the nerve to knowingly let its staff bully, harass, and attack trans people and refuses to abide by its own Transgender Equality Policy, then raises a Pride flag as if that erases the trauma and harm they continue to cause.'
Fellow student Jack Barber posted to X: 'It's Pride month, meaning my uni has the rainbow merch out in force; unfortunately they care more about looking inclusive than protecting queer staff and students.'
Christina Schmid, president of the university's student association, told The Herald:
'The Students' Union stands with students who have raised concerns through this open letter. We recognise the seriousness of the issues highlighted and share their call for a more inclusive and respectful learning environment for all especially for trans and non-binary students.
We have been liaising with the University to ensure these concerns are taken seriously and addressed meaningfully. As a signatory to the letter, we fully support the call for action and accountability. We will continue to advocate for transparency, appropriate support, and a culture where all students feel safe and respected.'
There have been a range of protests in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision (Image: NQ)
Responding to The Herald's request for comment, a University of Aberdeen spokesperson said the institution had commissioned an independent review of the complaints.
The spokesperson noted: 'The University takes its strategic commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion extremely seriously, including promoting and championing the rights of trans staff and students as well as respecting the rights of individuals in respect of their protected beliefs.
'This commitment resulted in the commissioning of an independent investigation in relation to issues raised by some staff and students within the School. The results are currently being reviewed to determine the appropriate next steps and members of the management team have engaged with all those involved throughout the process.'
The public row comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman in late April.
Bosses at Scotland's largest universities are considering the fallout of the decision on their policies on transgender inclusion and single-sex spaces.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh University said that their guidelines, which currently permit individuals to use toilets which correspond with their gender identity, would be reviewed with 'compassion' and 'legal rigour'.
A Glasgow University spokesperson said the institution was 'actively considering' the ramifications of the ruling.

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