A new policy at Queen's University Belfast, which is part of the elite Russell Group (the UK's Ivy League) now commands all associates, whether student or staff to use the commanded name and pronouns of an individual or face strict disciplinary action.
Those who fail to do so are considered to be engaging in bullying and/or harassment, News Letter reports.
The rule also covers anyone who may tell "derogatory" jokes about transgenderism.
Students and staff are not the only people who can be affected by the new rule. Outside workers such as cleaners, caterers, and suppliers, and anyone hired by them are subjected to the policy, as is anybody who sets foot on university grounds.
The updated code of conduct on trans matters came in January this year, replacing a previous code that had been there since 2016, according to the outlet.
Queen’s University Belfast is a very openly leftist institution. It has a "LGBT+ Staff Network" called PRISM, which has a feature on the university website.
Queen’s University describes PRISM as "the Queen’s University Belfast LGBT+ staff network, providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for LGBT+ staff in Queen's to regularly meet during working hours to discuss LGBT+ issues and work matters, in addition to planning social events both on and off campus." It also notes that it delivers on "events for key dates in the LGBT+ calendar including Belfast Pride, LGBT History Month, and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia."
News Letter reported that Queen’s University initially denied a request to view a copy of its prior code of conduct, but ultimately caved to the demand upon being informed that it cannot legally decline such a request as a public institution.
These included "informal guidelines on how to treat people who are transitioning," which included, "Think of the person as being the sex that they want you to think of them as," "Use the name and pronoun that the person asks you to.... If you make a mistake with pronouns, correct yourself and move on. Do not make a big deal out of it" and "Respect people’s privacy. Do not ask what their ‘real’ or ‘birth’ name is."
New material was added in the updated code of conduct, which states: "Transphobic abuse, harassment or bullying (including name-calling / derogatory jokes / repeated or intentional use of incorrect pronouns or name) will be dealt with under the Bullying and Harassment Policy which states that the University will not tolerate such behaviour."
"It will be treated by the University as a disciplinary offence," it adds.
This new code also says that "the University will support an individual’s choice of dress in connection with their gender identity and gender expression."
Queen's University says that these "disciplinary matters are implemented by senior managers" and that its code was put into place "following further equality screening."
