On the 16th of April, the UK Supreme Court went into a legal challenge on if transgender individuals are included in the legal definition of a woman or man.
Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the VP (Welfare) here at the Union of Students, responsible for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Safety, and Wellbeing of students here at the University of Derby.
On the 16th of April, the UK Supreme Court went into a legal challenge on if transgender individuals are included in the legal definition of a woman or man.
After hearing from campaigners, the supreme court submitted an 88-page document outlining the evaluation of information, deciding that the legal definition of a woman and man is reflective of biological sex.
The Union and I are fully aware that this ruling may feel to some that they are no longer protected from discrimination under UK law, it puts their safety at risk, and it impacts their mental health. Transgender individuals are still legally protected from discrimination in the UK. And if you do feel you are being discriminated against, please reach out to our Advice Service or Student Wellbeing at the University of Derby for help.
If you are or know of anyone who’s mental health has been affected by this, the Student Services are available. You can access student services here: 01332 593000 / studentservices@derby.ac.uk. Our own Advice service is also available and can be accessed by anyone affected.
Additionally, the University Security team is available for anyone who wishes to disclose instances of feeling unsafe or wishing to disclose safety issues. The team can be contacted via their email security@derby.ac.uk or phone number 01332 591109.
With this supreme court ruling, we are waiting to hear from BUCS on any changes that will be made to their policies on participation in sports and will keep you updated when we are notified.
Overall, we want to make one thing clear; this ruling does not affect the ambition of the Union nor the University to continually promote a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for our students to come together, study, feel part of a community and grow as individuals.