We write with deep concern and urgency. On 11th June 2025, the University introduced a policy that bans trans people from using single-sex spaces that match their gender identity. Trans staff and students are now expected to use facilities aligned with their “biological sex” or gender-neutral facilities instead.

This policy was imposed without consultation, without a published equality impact assessment, and without a clear legal requirement. It has already caused fear, confusion, and harm. Some staff and students are now avoiding campus spaces altogether. It is:

- Legally questionable, dangerous, and unjust;
- Is contrary to expert guidance;
- Is deeply procedurally flawed; and
- Causes serious harm

Why This Policy Is Dangerous, Unjust and legally questionable:

The University cites the For Women Scotland Supreme Court ruling to justify this change. But legal experts (1) and over 30 MPs have confirmed (2): this ruling does not mandate the exclusion of trans people from single-sex spaces. Trans people remain protected under the Equality Act 2010, including those without a Gender Recognition Certificate.

It violates expert guidance.
The University and College Union (UCU) has urged all universities to pause any changes, consult affected communities, and wait for final EHRC guidance (3). The University of Reading has ignored that advice and moved ahead alone.

It’s procedurally flawed.
No Equality Impact Assessment. No Health & Safety review. No consultation. This is not just poor governance – it may be a breach of the Public Sector Equality Duty.

It causes real harm.
The policy outs trans people each time they use a facility. It exposes them to harassment. It erodes dignity, privacy, and safety. Some have already reported feeling unsafe, distressed, and alienated.

Voices from Our Community
Members of the University of Reading community have already shared their dismay at the change in policy:

“I have already seen those around me now scared to use the university’s facilities because they are trans. When you prevent someone using public toilets, you prevent them from participating in public life, full stop.” UoR Student

“I feel uncomfortable coming onto campus whatsoever. I haven't been onto campus since the change as I feel unsafe.” UoR Student

“This makes all of the LGBTQIA+ students on campus feel unsafe in a world that is already becoming very unsafe for us. And the university pretending to be our allies and then doing this proves they don't care” UoR Student

“I have become disillusioned with the university I attended, once loved and supported. I feel like I cannot bring my wife (who is trans) to university events as she would feel discriminated against. I have friends in the student body who I can actively see suffering from this. It affects the ability for students to feel safe in their study environment and I can actively see it affecting their scores and mental health.” UoR Member of Staff

“As a cis-gender lesbian, I am aware of "gender-policing" occurring which will question women's femininity and whether they are allowed to use a single-sex space (e.g. bathrooms). This makes me feel less safe on campus using toilet facilities and that I may be scrutinised based on my appearance, as will other women whose appearance falls outside of gender norms, this will particularly affect non-white women who are often held to "white femininity" standards.” UoR Member of Staff

​“As a result of this policy, I have been minimising my time on campus as much as possible, and opting out of the social life of my department and the University. This treatment has been severely emotionally distressing, having a negative impact on my mental health and my productivity at work. It makes me ashamed to be working at an institution that treats other trans colleagues and students, some of whom have been out for years or are private about their trans status, in this way. Had I known the University would act this way towards any minority group, let alone one I am part of, I would not have taken a position here. I will not be able to recommend joining the University to trans, intersex, or gender non-conforming staff and students, and would in fact discourage them from doing so, due to this policy and the way it's been implemented.” UoR Member of Staff

“On a larger scale, as I see my rights eroded before my eyes this whole debacle has shaken my implicit trust that I could expect to be treated with respect at this university where until recently I had felt so safe. In that respect being part of the University had felt like a supportive sanctuary, but it doesn't feel like that to me any more.” UoR Member of Staff

“I have supported more than one academic tutee who has been non-binary or trans, and transitioned while I have taught at Reading. The previous guidance gave clear and supportive steps that I could talk the student(s) through in a supportive way during a vulnerable and emotionally exhausting time for the student(s), and I was proud as an institution that we were so inclusive. There is currently no support for academic tutors on how to support trans and non-binary students (I believe?). I feel nervous about how I would support my students in a way that is appropriate and does not endanger their wellbeing. I am aware that there is mounting legal pressure on unis to support their students' mental wellbeing, and I don't know how I can adequately do so under the new policy change.” UoR Member of Staff

This policy doesn’t just affect trans people; it empowers informal gender policing that threatens anyone who doesn’t ‘look’ the way others expect. That includes gender-nonconforming cis women, non-binary students, and disabled users who rely on accessible facilities.

We call on the University to:

1. Withdraw or suspend the current policy immediately
2. Issue a public apology to those harmed
3. Publish a full Equality Impact and Health & Safety assessment
4. Seek and publish independent legal advice
5. Consult meaningfully with trans, non-binary, and intersex staff and students, and with trade unions and student representatives
6. Ensure safe, sufficient and inclusive facilities across campus
7. Protect staff and students from harassment, retaliation, and informal enforcement
8. Reaffirm Reading’s values of equality, dignity, and inclusion

The Law Is Clear

Under the Equality Act 2010, “gender reassignment” is a protected characteristic, including social transition, not just medical or legal status. The law only permits trans exclusion from single-sex services in exceptional circumstances, where it is strictly necessary, proportionate, and the least discriminatory option. Blanket bans do not meet that standard.

Reading Is Becoming an Outlier

Other universities are pausing changes, consulting communities, and waiting for legal clarity. The University of Reading seems to be alone in pushing through a premature and harmful policy, risking not only the wellbeing of its community, but its legal and reputational standing.

This is a critical test of the University’s leadership. We urge you to do the right thing and restore dignity, uphold the law, and protect your students and staff.

Signed,
Staff, Students, Alumni, and Allies of the University of Reading

(1) https://goodlawproject.org/resource/trans-inclusion-after-the-supreme-court-decision-faqs/
(2) https://bsky.app/profile/yuanfenyang.bsky.social/post/3lsykmp6rvs2o
(3) https://www.ucu.org.uk/media/15115/Supreme-Court-Ruling-Branch-Guidance/pdf/Supreme_Court_ruling_guidance_for_UCU_branches_v2.pdf