LGBTQ+ Students “Appalled” As UCL Cuts Ties With Stonewall
December 23, 2021University College London made the decision to cut ties with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall on grounds that its membership could limit academic discussions in regard to sexuality and gender identity.
UCL has been a member of Stonewall's UK Workplace Equality Index since 2014 and was the first university to join the Global Diversity Champion program for international employers, according to My London.
It was announced earlier this year that UCL decided not to renew their membership almost two years ago, in February 2020, but this was said to be a temporary decision as a result of finances during the coronavirus pandemic.
A post shared on UCL's website said: “Following a period of debate within our community and careful consideration of the issues, UCL has now taken the decision that we will not re-join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Program or make a submission to the Workplace Equality Index.
“It is crucial to stress that this does not reflect any change in UCL’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of LGBTQ+ staff and students or to working to ensure that UCL is a diverse community to which everyone can bring their whole self without fear of discrimination, bullying or harassment.”
A Stonewall spokesperson said: “UCL decided not to renew their membership to the Diversity Champions program almost two years ago in February 2020.
“Our work with organizations in no way impacts their ability to uphold free speech, it simply creates welcoming working environments for LGBTQ+ people – which in 2021, should not be a controversial act.”
UCL's LGBTQ+ network for students released a statement earlier today, which said: “We are shocked and appalled by the university’s decision not to rejoin the Stonewall Diversity Champions program. It comes as a huge blow to the entire community of LGBTQ+ students at UCL, who feel less safe and supported in the wake of this decision.
“Coming from an institution that proudly proclaims its commitment to promoting diversity, this decision clearly demonstrates to students that most of these claims remain empty promises.
“The rhetoric used in UCL’s official communications about the decision to cut ties with Stonewall paints it in terms of taking a position of impartiality in an academic dispute.
“It completely ignores that trans and non-binary students are going to bear the effects of this decision.”
Campaigns Officer for the network Chloe Richardson said: “The academic board’s decision regarding the Stonewall scheme comes as a major blow to our community at UCL.
“Our goal over the next few weeks is to keep these spreading and to keep the energy up in time for the beginning of the next term in January, where we hope to transform this energy into activism.”
The statement on the decision from UCL continued: “UCL’s senior leadership team is making a clear commitment that we will re-double our work around LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, with a particular focus on supporting trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming members of our community.
“UCL’s senior management team will establish an LGBTQ+ Equality Implementation Group, following the model of the Race Equality Implementation Group, which will develop a strong program of action to tackle all forms of inequality, marginalization, and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ colleagues, and students.”
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