A psychotherapist at a university in the United Kingdom claims he was prohibited from doing research on people who have decided to reverse their gender transition because it is “politically incorrect” and poses the risk of offending people.
James Caspian alleges he was banned by Bath Spa University from doing research into people who have regretted their gender reassignments after the university’s subcommittee determined it could be offensive to transgender people.
Caspian told Radio 4, “The fundamental reason given was that it might cause criticism of the research on social media and criticism of the research would be criticism of the University and they also added it was better not to offend people.”
He said Bath Spa University told him, "engaging in a potentially politically incorrect piece of research carries a risk to the University."
The Daily Mail reports the rejection letter states the school rejected Caspian’s research out of concern about outrage on social media:
Attacks on social media may not be confined to the researcher but may involve the university. The posting of unpleasant material on blogs or social media may be detrimental to the reputation of the university.
“It’s ridiculous. I’m in my late fifties, I’m an expert in my field and I’m not even on social media,” Caspian said. “I’m not frightened at all. Asking questions is not a hate crime.”
Caspian told The Times, “Where would stand the reputation of a university that cannot follow the most basic tenets of academic and intellectual freedom of inquiry?”
Caspian’s research would have been towards his master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy.
Bath Spa University is reportedly conducting an investigation into Caspian’s complaint.
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