Psychology college exonerates ousted gender-critic

A former psychology student expelled from his course for his gender-critical views has been exonerated.

In 2021, James Esses was expelled from his master’s degree at the Metanoia Institute in London, after warning on social media against “irreversible” procedures for gender-confused children.

Yesterday, Metanoia announced that it had “reached settlement in the Employment Tribunal claim brought by James Esses”, and admitted it had discriminated against him for his beliefs “that sex is binary, immutable and biological”.

Protected

In a formal statement, Metanoia acknowledged that gender-critical beliefs are protected under the Equality Act.

It also accepted “the validity of the professional belief that children with gender dysphoria should be treated with explorative therapy, rather than being affirmed towards medical intervention”.

Furthermore, the Institute recognised “the importance of freedom of speech within educational institutions” and apologised to Esses “for the impact of his expulsion, both professional and personal”.

Welcoming the outcome, Esses said he hoped it would “ensure that educational institutes think twice before doing to another student what was done to me”.

Endangered

More than 500 academics have called on the Government to implement a new law ensuring higher education institutions protect free speech.

In an open letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, professors and lecturers from across Britain warned of the “incalculable” effect of silencing legitimate views.

Earlier this month, Phillipson shelved the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, claiming it would have a negative impact on vulnerable groups and be “burdensome on providers”.

The signatories warned that hundreds of academics and students “have been hounded, censured, silenced or even sacked over the last 20 years for the expression of legal opinions”.