Latest news with #Fanshawe
The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Aberdeen University students in trans row publish open letter
An open letter published several weeks ago details a range of issues; including the posting of 'transphobic hate material' on a break room noticeboard and the vandalism of trans-inclusive and anti-racist posters with 'penis stickers'. Trans righs have come to the fore at many universities. (Image: Unsplashed) The letter also calls for a 'concrete action plan' from university management, asking for 'the implementation of disciplinary processes for people who break school policies on discrimination and harassment', an 'externally-led diversity and inclusion audit', and 'mandatory trans-inclusive EDI training for all staff'. The Herald understands that issues between gender-critical and trans-inclusive academics and students in the department have festered for years, and have intensified over the last eighteen months. A public controversy ensued in February 2024 when SBS management invited prominent gender critical broadcaster Simon Fanshawe to lead a session on diversity training. The event with the academic and writer, who also serves as the Rector of Edinburgh University, was cancelled a week later after backlash by students and staff within the school. Fanshawe, who co-founded Stonewall in 1989, has rubbished the LGBT rights charity in recent years, labelling it as a "propaganda machine" which 'preaches extreme and divisive gender ideology under the guise of 'factual' information'. Academic and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe In an open letter originally published in May 2024, students involved with the 'Decolonising SBS' group wrote: 'We insist you offer an apology to students and staff in SBS for the organisation of the event, as well as an explanation as to why this event was cancelled, and take concrete steps to ensure future decisions on EDI issues are handled appropriately and transparently.' Now, a year later, students say their requests have been ignored. A statement reads: 'As of the 23 of April, 2025, we have yet to receive any response. We believe the continued silence of School management requires us to publish the below letter and invite students and academics who support our demands to add their names in solidarity. 'We hope that doing so will highlight to our department the urgent-course correction needed to rebuild trust and ensure the safety and well-being of the School's transgender students and staff in line with university policy and UK equality law.' The updated letter has been signed by more than 250 students and academics from across the UK. Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: My trek up the Royal Mile — what do tourists say about Scotland's capital? Calls to bring back this 'unique' detail in Princes Square shopping centre How much has new trains procurement cost taxpayers? Scot Gov refuses to say Meanwhile, students have spoken out about their experiences on social media. PhD candidate Rowan Kuminski wrote on Bluesky: 'Aberdeen Uni has the nerve to knowingly let its staff bully, harass, and attack trans people and refuses to abide by its own Transgender Equality Policy, then raises a Pride flag as if that erases the trauma and harm they continue to cause.' Fellow student Jack Barber posted to X: 'It's Pride month, meaning my uni has the rainbow merch out in force; unfortunately they care more about looking inclusive than protecting queer staff and students.' Christina Schmid, president of the university's student association, told The Herald: 'The Students' Union stands with students who have raised concerns through this open letter. We recognise the seriousness of the issues highlighted and share their call for a more inclusive and respectful learning environment for all especially for trans and non-binary students. We have been liaising with the University to ensure these concerns are taken seriously and addressed meaningfully. As a signatory to the letter, we fully support the call for action and accountability. We will continue to advocate for transparency, appropriate support, and a culture where all students feel safe and respected.' There have been a range of protests in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision (Image: NQ) Responding to The Herald's request for comment, a University of Aberdeen spokesperson said the institution had commissioned an independent review of the complaints. The spokesperson noted: 'The University takes its strategic commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion extremely seriously, including promoting and championing the rights of trans staff and students as well as respecting the rights of individuals in respect of their protected beliefs. 'This commitment resulted in the commissioning of an independent investigation in relation to issues raised by some staff and students within the School. The results are currently being reviewed to determine the appropriate next steps and members of the management team have engaged with all those involved throughout the process.' The public row comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman in late April. Bosses at Scotland's largest universities are considering the fallout of the decision on their policies on transgender inclusion and single-sex spaces. A spokesperson for Edinburgh University said that their guidelines, which currently permit individuals to use toilets which correspond with their gender identity, would be reviewed with 'compassion' and 'legal rigour'. A Glasgow University spokesperson said the institution was 'actively considering' the ramifications of the ruling.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stonewall's hour of reckoning has finally arrived
For decades, influential charity Stonewall was widely regarded as a champion for equal rights – winning over the most powerful businesses and politicians. Its influence was such that hundreds of Britain's largest organisations battled for top spot on its flagship equality leader board, handing millions of pounds to the charity in the process. But much has changed. The 36-year-old organisation now facing a crisis that has prompted even one of its founders to turn against it. In the wake of Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling that only biological women are women, Simon Fanshawe urged bosses to abandon Stonewall, which has long championed trans rights. 'Employers can now take advice from the highest court in the land rather than from Stonewall and other lobby groups,' says Fanshawe, who was one of six activists to help set up the organisation. 'Previously, in trying to become a Stonewall 'Diversity Champion', businesses have often gone beyond the law. 'I would say that businesses should now ignore Stonewall, focus on the judgment, and that way be absolutely clear that their policies are in line with the Equality Act. 'Businesses have been thinking they've been doing the right thing, and it transpires they haven't. They should stop listening to lobby groups.' Scrutiny of Stonewall has been building for years, even garnering disapproval from former supporter Sir Stephen Fry, who in December branded its trans activism 'nonsensical' and warned it has 'got stuck in a terrible, terrible quagmire'. In particular, critics have argued that Stonewall was using corporate schemes to stifle free speech. One HR veteran, whose company is not involved with Stonewall, believes too many bosses leant on the charity out of fear of 'holding a different position to other organisations'. 'I'm surprised that any major organisation still has a relationship with them. That's not because they haven't done good things in the past, but they're driving a political agenda with a small P,' they say. 'From a business point of view, people will now be taking stock and saying, 'Hang on a second, the highest court has made a decision [on the legal definition of a woman] and this organisation is disagreeing – do we want to be aligned with an organisation which is taking that stance?'' They added that HR leaders who disagree with the Supreme Court need to ask themselves how they've been running their businesses. 'If you don't believe the law trumps all, then you've essentially been running your business based on an agenda, not on the law,' the HR boss said. UK-based chief executives and HR heads have been seeking discreet advice over groups such as Stonewall for months, concerned they may have been led astray. Fanshawe also argued last year that there had been a shift in attitude, with companies saying to themselves: 'Actually, I'm not convinced that a high-street retailer should take a position on anti-conversion therapy.' However, the HR veteran – who did not want to be named – points out how much Stonewall itself has changed, claiming they were previously 'giving good, strong quality guidance on how you become more inclusive as an employer'. 'What's changed is that they started to say, 'Unless you adopt these positions, you won't progress in our index or rankings.' 'That's legitimate. But it's also legitimate for organisations to say, 'I don't want to do that, so I'm going to step outside of this.'' Concerns over Stonewall in corporate circles have also been growing increasingly prominent in recent year, as some of its most controversial advice came to light. For example, the charity reportedly told employers to use 'parent who has given birth' instead of the word mother, while it also questioned whether private health insurance covered transition-related treatments. The Welsh Government, which appeared high on Stonewall's ranking in 2020, deleted the term 'mother' from its maternity policy in 2019. Stonewall has since watered down its policies, admitting last year that 'mother' is a 'powerful and important word'. However, for many bosses, the damage was already done. Even before the latest Supreme Court ruling, tensions were rising. In 2022, Stonewall was criticised for suggesting that nurseries were not doing enough to help children as young as two 'recognise their trans identity', while last year its support of puberty blockers came under fire following a major review by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass. The review, which warned there was a lack of established medical evidence for the use of puberty blockers for children, triggered a petition calling for Stonewall's former chief, who advised schools to 'shred' a research pack highlighting the dangers of the treatment, to lose her peerage. Yet Stonewall itself acknowledges that change may be on the cards, particularly in light of the latest Supreme Court decision. A spokesman for the charity said that many organisations, including Stonewall, will be reviewing their policies and guidance. 'Stonewall regularly reviews its guidance and works with legal experts to ensure that it reflects the latest legal developments – we will continue to do so,' the spokesman said. As for employers, they will hope that the latest ruling will finally put to bed the issue of Stonewall, and end what some claim has been a 'horrible' debate. 'The decision recognises that women now means biological women. So women are going to be protected in terms of having their spaces,' says Emilie Cole, the founding partner of law firm Cole Khan. 'We're no longer going to have the Pandora's box of endless debate as to what actually legally constitutes a woman. 'Essentially, this has been a really horrible area. It's been so hard fought on both sides of the spectrum, but this judgment is welcomed because this has obviously got real-world consequences for people working in businesses, and clarity in this area is welcomed.' However, others are not as conciliatory. As one barrister puts it: 'Those who follow Stonewall should stop doing so immediately and seek counsel elsewhere. 'You have been led up the garden path and now have a huge task untangling the mess.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
17-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Stonewall's hour of reckoning has finally arrived
For decades, influential charity Stonewall was widely regarded as a champion for equal rights – winning over the most powerful businesses and politicians. Its influence was such that hundreds of Britain's largest organisations battled for top spot on its flagship equality leader board, handing millions of pounds to the charity in the process. But much has changed. The 36-year-old organisation now facing a crisis that has prompted even one of its founders to turn against it. In the wake of Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling that only biological women are women, Simon Fanshawe urged bosses to abandon Stonewall, which has long championed trans rights. 'Employers can now take advice from the highest court in the land rather than from Stonewall and other lobby groups,' says Fanshawe, who was one of six activists to help set up the organisation. 'Previously, in trying to become a Stonewall 'Diversity Champion', businesses have often gone beyond the law. 'I would say that businesses should now ignore Stonewall, focus on the judgment, and that way be absolutely clear that their policies are in line with the Equality Act. 'Businesses have been thinking they've been doing the right thing, and it transpires they haven't. They should stop listening to lobby groups.' Scrutiny of Stonewall has been building for years, even garnering disapproval from former supporter Sir Stephen Fry, who in December branded its trans activism 'nonsensical' and warned it has 'got stuck in a terrible, terrible quagmire'. In particular, critics have argued that Stonewall was using corporate schemes to stifle free speech. One HR veteran, whose company is not involved with Stonewall, believes too many bosses leant on the charity out of fear of 'holding a different position to other organisations'. 'I'm surprised that any major organisation still has a relationship with them. That's not because they haven't done good things in the past, but they're driving a political agenda with a small P,' they say. 'From a business point of view, people will now be taking stock and saying, 'Hang on a second, the highest court has made a decision [on the legal definition of a woman] and this organisation is disagreeing – do we want to be aligned with an organisation which is taking that stance?'' 'Running businesses on an agenda, not the law' They added that HR leaders who disagree with the Supreme Court need to ask themselves how they've been running their businesses. 'If you don't believe the law trumps all, then you've essentially been running your business based on an agenda, not on the law,' the HR boss said. UK-based chief executives and HR heads have been seeking discreet advice over groups such as Stonewall for months, concerned they may have been led astray. Fanshawe also argued last year that there had been a shift in attitude, with companies saying to themselves: 'Actually, I'm not convinced that a high-street retailer should take a position on anti-conversion therapy.' However, the HR veteran – who did not want to be named – points out how much Stonewall itself has changed, claiming they were previously 'giving good, strong quality guidance on how you become more inclusive as an employer'. 'What's changed is that they started to say, 'Unless you adopt these positions, you won't progress in our index or rankings.' 'That's legitimate. But it's also legitimate for organisations to say, 'I don't want to do that, so I'm going to step outside of this.'' Concerns over Stonewall in corporate circles have also been growing increasingly prominent in recent year, as some of its most controversial advice came to light. For example, the charity reportedly told employers to use 'parent who has given birth' instead of the word mother, while it also questioned whether private health insurance covered transition-related treatments. The Welsh Government, which appeared high on Stonewall's ranking in 2020, deleted the term 'mother' from its maternity policy in 2019. Stonewall has since watered down its policies, admitting last year that 'mother' is a 'powerful and important word'. However, for many bosses, the damage was already done. Even before the latest Supreme Court ruling, tensions were rising. In 2022, Stonewall was criticised for suggesting that nurseries were not doing enough to help children as young as two 'recognise their trans identity', while last year its support of puberty blockers came under fire following a major review by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass. The review, which warned there was a lack of established medical evidence for the use of puberty blockers for children, triggered a petition calling for Stonewall's former chief, who advised schools to 'shred' a research pack highlighting the dangers of the treatment, to lose her peerage. Yet Stonewall itself acknowledges that change may be on the cards, particularly in light of the latest Supreme Court decision. A spokesman for the charity said that many organisations, including Stonewall, will be reviewing their policies and guidance. 'Stonewall regularly reviews its guidance and works with legal experts to ensure that it reflects the latest legal developments – we will continue to do so,' the spokesman said. As for employers, they will hope that the latest ruling will finally put to bed the issue of Stonewall, and end what some claim has been a 'horrible' debate. 'The decision recognises that women now means biological women. So women are going to be protected in terms of having their spaces,' says Emilie Cole, the founding partner of law firm Cole Khan. 'We're no longer going to have the Pandora's box of endless debate as to what actually legally constitutes a woman. 'Essentially, this has been a really horrible area. It's been so hard fought on both sides of the spectrum, but this judgment is welcomed because this has obviously got real-world consequences for people working in businesses, and clarity in this area is welcomed.' However, others are not as conciliatory. As one barrister puts it: 'Those who follow Stonewall should stop doing so immediately and seek counsel elsewhere.
CBC
02-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
Fanshawe College program suspensions announced to staff as major cuts begin
Fanshawe College has begun telling staff and faculty which programs will be cut as it faces a dramatic drop in enrolment. The school is anticipating 64 per cent fewer international students, a major source or revenue, by next year, said President Peter Devlin in February. Fanshawe's international student population has been among the highest in Ontario, with roughly 11,700 permits approved for the college in 2023. That number has recently been cut by more than half. On Tuesday, meetings were held across campus where employees learned the fate of different programs. Other colleges across Ontario have already made public their plans, allowing students and staff to plan for the upcoming year. Devlin has repeatedly said he would wait to make the news public until a provincially funded audit was complete this spring. He is expected to provide more information on the specifics Wednesday. Meanwhile, CBC News has learned eight programs in the Faculty of Creative Industries will face cuts, a faculty that includes the School of Media and Digital Arts, and the School of Design. CBC News has also learned the postgraduate in the Journalism of Television and Digital News program has been indefinitely suspended. Other faculties at the college, which has locations in London, St. Thomas, Simcoe and Woodstock, are also expected to be impacted. It's not yet known which courses will be cut. Tuesday's meeting made no mention of layoffs as officials are waiting to see how many staff members will choose the early retirement option. While Fanshawe won't accept new students for those eight programs, those who are already enrolled in them will be able to finish their courses, CBC News has learned. 'Right-size' the college The audit was being done by Consultants StrategyCorp Inc. and looked at which programs have high demand, retention, labour market need and how much they bring in, along with reviewing off-campus spaces Fanshawe leases. Devlin asked for the review in October after sounding the alarm on how much pressure the federal government's cap on international student enrolment had put on the school's budget. Fanshawe is offering an early retirement incentive to full-time staff who are 55 and older and have been working there for more than 10 years. It's part of its efforts to "right-size" the organization, according to an internal email sent to employees last week. The college implemented a formal hiring freeze in February. "We will have fewer programs and a right-sized workforce. We will have a deficit position while we reshape Fanshawe over time," Devlin said, in February. Ontario's colleges have increasingly relied on international students, who in some cases, pay double what domestic students pay, and fund everything from buildings to professors. Ottawa said it would approve approximately 360,000 undergraduate study permits for 2024 — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023. In September, the federal Liberal government said it would further slash the number of international student permits it issues by 10 per cent.
CBC
26-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
Layoffs and program cuts coming to Fanshawe College in spring, president says
Fanshawe College will announce in spring which programs it will cut and how many people will lose their jobs, the school's head said during a town hall meeting with staff Wednesday morning. Fanshawe is staring down 30 per cent fewer students than it had at its peak two years ago, college president Peter Devlin said. That includes 64 per cent fewer international students — a major source or revenue — by 2026/2027. "There will be an impact on students, our employees, and the community," Devlin said. A formal hiring freeze went into effect Monday, and an early retirement program will be revealed next month, he added. More cuts to programs and staff will be announced after a provincially-funded consultant is done a review of where the college can save money, he added. "We will have fewer programs and a right-sized workforce. We will have a deficit position while we reshape Fanshawe over time," Devlin said. Signs posted outside Fnshawe College's main campus in London Ont. on Jan. 31, 2025. (Alessio Donnini/CBC) Devlin made pointed remarks about the chronic underfunding of the province's colleges, calling on staff to vote in Thursday's election. "We are funded at 44 per cent of the national average. The lowest funding in the country happens here in Ontario, the most prosperous province," he said. "For a student, we get $6,891. The average in Canada is $15,615. There's an election. Vote. Please vote." Platforms of the main parties don't come close to closing the funding gap, he said. Unable to raise domestic tuition to pay for increasing revenues because of a freeze announced in 2019, the province's college's increasingly relied on international students, who in some cases pay double what Canadian students pay, to fund everything from buildings to professors. The federal government severely capped how many international students are allowed into the country, massively curtailing that revenue. Fanshawe has already limited intake to 66 programs because of the cap, Devlin said. The school has campuses in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas and Woodstock. Consultants StrategyCorp Inc. are being paid by the province to look at where cuts can be made. It's looking at which programs have high demand, retention, labour market need and how much they bring in. The school is also reviewing off-campus spaces it leases to look for cost-savings. A campus in south London near White Oaks Mall has 90 per cent international students and maybe impacted, Devlin said. A lease in Oxbury Mall won't be renewed, he added.
