“UNISON and UCU at UWE Bristol, alongside the LGBTQIA+ staff network, stand in solidarity with UWE’s LGBTQ+ student society. We applaud their successful petition to stop Bristol Pride from accepting UWE’s sponsorship.
Whilst this has received considerable public attention, we would urge others to recognise that at the heart of this decision is the University’s exclusion-focused Trans and Non Binary Policy. This restricts facilities use, removes any commitment to trans inclusive teaching, and ultimately erodes the support and protection afforded to trans people. This has already led to forced outings, discrimination and hate crimes on campus.
We affirm that we will continue our campaign to revoke this policy. We will only support policy which genuinely upholds the rights and dignity of trans+ individuals at UWE, which requires active and sustained co-development with trade unions, student and staff communities.
Finally, we want to reiterate that the policy’s impacts are still being felt every day, and the community is being harmed. We strongly encourage trans, intersex, non-binary, gender non-conforming and cisgender individuals who have experienced discrimination and harassment as a result of this policy to contact their relevant union. The staff network can also submit reports on your behalf. You are not alone and we will defend your rights to exist safely at UWE.”
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