Oxford free-speech row deepens as 117 academics back reinstatement of cancelled gender-law lectures
Oxford University (Image: Oxford University)
A group of 117 academics has urged the University of Oxford to reinstate Dr Michael Foran’s cancelled gender-law lecture series, accusing the university’s proctors of enabling a “heckler’s veto” after protests disrupted the first two talks.
Foran, an associate professor of law at Oxford, had been due to deliver four lectures based on themes from his new book, Sex, Gender Identity and the Law. The talks were set to cover how sex and gender issues have affected the law in relation to single-sex spaces, freedom of expression, privacy, sport and sexual intimacy.
In a letter, the signatories wrote: “It appears that the university proctors authorised and facilitated protests inside the lecture theatre and did nothing to remove miscreants.” They added: “The proctors have enabled the exercise of a heckler’s veto.”
Foran confirmed on social media that he was cancelling the remaining lectures after the first two were disrupted. He wrote on X: “Students shouldn’t face bullying or harassment when attending academic events.”
Footage posted online reportedly showed people interrupting the talks in May and June. In a recording described in the academics’ letter, an unnamed protester claimed Foran “masks his transphobia behind a thin veneer of academia”. The protester added: “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.”
Academics accuse proctors over lecture disruptions
The letter also claims the proctors failed to uphold the essential functions of the university and created “a hostile and degrading environment” for Foran and students attending the lectures. It argues this will “contribute to a chilling effect” that will constrain discussion of sex and gender at the university.
Among the signatories is Professor Richard Dawkins.
Oxford response and next steps
A university spokeswoman said freedom of speech and academic freedom were fundamental to Oxford, while it also supported the right to lawful protest and civil disagreement. She reiterated the university’s pledge to work with Foran to explore how his remaining lectures could take place.
The academics’ letter urges Oxford to take steps to ensure the lectures can still go ahead, and calls for proctors to “receive training to ensure that they understand their duties” when protests affect academic events.
The University has been involved in multiple battles over free speech, including previous debate around talks given by Kathleen Stock.
