University professor ‘bullied' over gender views wins payout

Protestors fly the trans rights flag

Professor Jo Phoenix wept when a colleague said her opinions on the trans debate meant working with her was “like having a racist uncle at the Christmas dinner table”.

When the criminologist set up a university network of like-minded academics she was bullied by colleagues who falsely accused her of putting trans people’s lives at risk. She complained to OU bosses but they refused to help because they feared repercussions, the hearing said.

The tribunal heard Prof Phoenix believes “a person cannot change their biological sex, and sex is not to be conflated with gender identity”. She is in line for compensation after winning claims of discrimination, harassment, victimisation and constructive dismissal. Prof Phoenix joined the OU in 2013 and hoped to retire there but quit in 2021.

Upholding almost 20 of Prof Phoenix’s claims, the tribunal in Watford said the OU had no “proper reason for allowing the harassment without publicly taking action to prohibit it”.

Prof Phoenix said: “I am glad for the win. Academics and universities must now, surely, recognise their responsibilities towards promoting tolerance of alternative views.”

Professor Tim Blackman, vice-chancellor of the OU, said: “We are disappointed by the judgment and need to consider it in detail, including our right to appeal.”