The University is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all members of the University community are respected. The University does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation and expects all members of the University community, its visitors and contractors to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration.
The University supports as far as possible an individual’s right to choose whether to be open about their gender identity and history. To ‘out’ someone, whether staff or student, without their permission may amount to a form of harassment and possibly a criminal offence.
Academic freedom and freedom of speech, as outlined in the University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech and Statute XII, are protected by law and by the University’s statutes and policies. This includes the ability within academic practice to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions. These rights must be exercised within the law and within reasonable restrictions set out in University policies and codes of practice.
Bullying and harassment of transgender people is unacceptable and may be regarded as grounds for disciplinary action, which may include expulsion or dismissal. Such behaviour will be dealt with under the University Harassment Policy and Procedures, for staff, and Statute XI, for students, as appropriate. Any such disciplinary action will be determined on the basis of the individual facts of the particular case.
Information on what constitutes harassment, bullying and victimisation, and how to report it are set out in the University’s Harassment Policy and Statute XI.
