1 June 2026
Reinstate the Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy at UAL!

In April 2025, UAL removed its Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy [1] without any consultation with the LGBTQIA+ community, students and staff and the trade unions. The decision was supposedly in response to the Office for Students (OFS) handing down a £585,000 fine to the University of Sussex. [2] This led to UAL cancelling events and training in support of trans rights or on this topic. Particularly egregious was the cancellation of sessions that needed to be run as part of the exhibition 'TRANSCESTRY: 10 years of the Museum of Transology' and the cancellation of an outreach programme designed for our local KS3 and KS4 teachers at their request.

However on April 29th 2026, the High Court overturned the fine with a judgment quashing the penalty [3] and criticising the watchdog's misapplication of the concepts of freedom of speech and academic freedom, in an investigation procedurally flawed and vitiated by bias. We ask that UAL confirm this policy will be reinstated ahead of the new academic year (at the latest). The clarity offered by this policy is important to maintain a sense of belonging for new and existing students and staff.

UAL has a positive reputation for being trans and non-binary inclusive. This is reflected in the percentage of staff and students who identify as trans and non-binary, which is well above the sector average. [4] It is also acknowledged externally, such as through the Queer Student Awards where it was stated that the “LGBTQ+ representation in the staff and student further demonstrates the inclusive culture UAL has developed, setting a gold standard for LGBTQ+ inclusion at university”. [5] Reinstating UAL's trans and non-binary inclusion policy will protect our reputation of inclusivity and the benefits that brings, which otherwise risk being undermined.

Now that High Court judge Mrs Justice Lieven has ruled that the Office for Students infringed on lawful freedom of speech, [6] we reiterate our demand to reinstate the Trans and Non-Binary Policy forthwith.

Please use your non-UAL email to sign this open letter!

[1] arts-su.com/news/article/6013/Officer-Statement-Su...

[2] theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/26/university-o...

[3] theguardian.com/education/2026/apr/29/sussex-unive...

[4] canvas.arts.ac.uk/News/274539/our-latest-equality-...

[5] thequeerstudentawards.co.uk/about/qsarchive/2024...

[6] https://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/70636

28
signatures
25 verified
  1. Kevin Biderman, Lecturer, UAL LCC, London
  2. Galia Kollectiv, Reader Designate in Art, University of the Arts, London, London
  3. claire hiscock, Tutor, University of the Arts London, London
  4. Leo Robinson, Disability Adviser, UAL, London
  5. Dr Helena Walsh, Senior Lecturer, LCC, University of the Arts, London, London
  6. Inigo Cornago Bonal, Senior Lecturer, CSM-UAL, London
  7. Carys Kennedy, Senior Lecturer in Creative Education, University of the Arts London
  8. Veronica Hendry, Lecturer, London
  9. Amar Sall, Associate Lecturer, Central Saint Martins, UAL, London
  10. Rahul Patel, Joint Branch Secretary UAL UCU, University of the Arts London, London
  11. Irina Chkhaidze, Associate Lecturer, Central Saint Martins, UAL, London
  12. Kit Neale, Pathway Leader, Fashion Design: Print CSM, CSM/UAL, London
  13. Anahita Razmi, Senior Lecturer, UAL CSM, London
  14. Gracia Ramirez, Senior Lecturer, UAL LCC, London
  15. Erin Lewis, Associate Lecturer, LCF, London
  16. Annie Goh, Course Leader, BA Sound Arts, LCC, UAL, London
  17. Beth Bramich, Senior Lecturer, CCW, UAL, London
  18. Kyle Gibbens, Employability Officer, UAL Careers & Employability
  19. Sarah Macdonald, Senior Lecturer, University of the Arts London, LCC
  20. Fritha Jenkins, Associate lecturer, UAL, London
  21. Chris Rowell, DL Producer, UAL, London
  22. Beth, Artist, London
  23. Angelus Marr, Artist, London
  24. Marysia Tańska, Associate Lecturer, UAL Creative Computing Institute, London
  25. Clare Greenwood, Mother, Home, Leamington Spa
Create an open letter
and sign it together
Terms of Service·Contribute to our costs·GitHub