Warwick University accused of ‘lack of empathy’ by students over silence on trans policy

Warwick University students have shared the “emotional distress” they are facing over the confusion brought about by a trans policy that was “accidentally” made public in May.

The West Midlands university came under fire after temporarily updating its Trans Inclusion Code of Conduct policy to force transgender students and staff to use only the facilities, such as toilets and changing rooms, exclusive to their birth sex.

The policy was quickly removed from the university’s website and a spokesperson told PinkNews that a draft version had been published in error, adding: “In light of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim guidance, and legal developments, we are continuing to review our policy.”

The EHRC’s guidance was published in the wake of the UK Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling that the definition of sex in the 2010 Equality Act referred to “biological sex” only.

The guidance recommended that trans people be banned from facilities exclusive to their gender identity and, even, in some cases, their birth sex.

Officials at Warwick University said they were “deeply sorry” for the error and apologised for the “pain and upset” caused.

‘It shows a lack of basic respect for trans students’

A Freedom of Information request seen by PinkNews revealed that the draft policy had been seen by the university’s education board.

Current rules, updated in June, only focus on the university’s commitment to ensuring all buildings feature gender-neutral facilities where possible. There are no provisions regarding access to gendered spaces.

A document explaining its provisions of gendered and gender-neutral toilets does not clarify whether trans people can use gendered toilets consistent with their identity.

“It causes a lot of stress”

Students and staff have told PinkNews that the lack of transparency has caused them great “emotional distress.”

One non-binary person said: “There [are] no neutral toilets in my department and the disabled ones are difficult to get to. [It] causes a lot of stress when [I’m] with other trans friends.”

Another student, who has felt forced to conceal their identity, said: “It shows a lack of basic respect to trans students and makes me doubt the competence of the university. It’s frankly embarrassing for them in my view and shows a lack of principle.”

A spokesperson for Warwick Pride told PinkNews: “Worse was the apparent lack of empathy from the university, shown upon realising it had misjudged the extent of queer opposition.”

PinkNews has contacted the Warwick University for comment.

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