Three University of Sheffield students have put forward a motion seeking to introduce a new policy that compels the SU to ensure their protection of the trans community.
The UK Supreme Court judgement that took place in April ruled that the terms “woman”, “man”, and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex at birth.
In response, three students from the University of Sheffield have shared their beliefs surrounding the trans community, as well as a proposal to aid the support of trans, non-binary and gender-diverse members of the university.
One of the students and co-proposers of the motion, Sophie Layton, who is the Trans+ Representative Councillor on the Students’ Union Council, said: “The response from the university & Students’ Union to support its students has been lacklustre as per usual, so we’re presenting this motion now to compel them to take a stand & prove their commitment to Trans+, non-binary & intersex students publicly & clearly, to show that they stand with our communities, & will not enforce harmful policies.”
There are several key points to their motion, including: committing to allowing students to use facilities that match their gender, and not compelling them to out themselves or go into facilities that they should not be forced to.
Miss Layton added: “For me, this motion is very simple. It’s the ability for me, as a Trans+ person, to live my life as I wish to, without needing to worry about being policed or feared. I just want to get on with my life without needing to worry about whether I’ll need to alter my behaviour simply because of where I’m going.
“This motion would compel the SU to truly become a safe space for me & my community. The SU needs to act.”
Co-proposer Charlie Thomas said: “The motion strengthens the Student Union’s policy on trans rights, as they will have to act to defend members affected by this ruling.”
If the motion is passed, the policy will be assigned to two Students’ Union officers, who will be tasked with implementing it. It is assumed it would be passed onto next year’s Liberation & Activities officer, but this is not yet known for certain. Who it is assigned to & how long it will take to action is unknown.