Information following UK Supreme Court ruling on legal definitions of sex within the Equality Act

You are likely to be aware of the recent UK Supreme Court decision on the legal definitions of sex within the Equality Act 2010. This news will take some time to digest and the practical implications for the Higher Education sector are not yet clear. We know that there are a variety of opinions within our community and that some people will have concerns and questions about what this means for UCL and for them.  

We are working, in common with other universities, to try to establish clarity about what this means. Guidance on how the ruling is to be interpreted and applied is expected from the Equality and Human Rights Commission soon. We will provide more information as soon as we have this. 

While we are awaiting further clarity on the practical implications of this ruling, we want to remind our community of the support available and of our absolute continued commitment to our values. 

Reaffirming our values  

What is essential to UCL’s values, and will always remain so, is that we are an open, pluralist community to which everyone feels able to bring their whole self and that everyone is respected as a valued member of the university.  

We are fully committed to upholding and advancing the inclusion of all, including trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming members of our community. The legal provisions related to those who hold the protected characteristic of gender reassignment have not changed, and harassment, discrimination or victimisation on the basis of that, or any other protected characteristic, remain unlawful. 

Reflecting our long tradition of safeguarding freedom of speech and academic freedom, we also remain committed to strongly upholding the right of our academic colleagues to engage in debate and to exercise their academic freedom of enquiry. 

These core principles of inclusion, pluralism and academic freedom are at the heart of UCL’s identity and culture. This will not change as a result of this judgment. 

Support for students and staff  

There is a range of support available for anyone who would benefit from it, including those who may be feeling concerned following the Supreme Court ruling: 

• Our UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team works in partnership with independent advice and counselling services to provide additional support which students can access at any time, including immediate help via telephone on the 24/7 Student Support Line.  
• Staff can also access immediate support via phone (0808 196 5808), online or WhatsApp via our Employee Assistance. 
• Any bullying and harassment of members of our community is taken extremely seriously and we would urge staff and students to report any and all incidents through Report+Support so they can be properly investigated and appropriate action taken.