Imperial reportedly likely to withdraw from Stonewall membership over free speech concerns

Imperial is reconsidering their membership of Stonewall Proud Employers scheme after several years of membership, a source familiar with the matter told Felix.  

The Proud Employers accreditation scheme is an opportunity for employers to get feedback on their LGBTQ+ policy and receive a rating; the membership also gives staff access to support from Stonewall, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ rights organisations. Imperial joined Stonewall in 2005.

Anson To, Deputy President for Welfare (DPW) at Imperial College Union (ICU),  explained what they know. “I believe officially from the university, the decision from summer 2025 was to renew the membership for one year, with a review planned at the end of the period. Future options include withdrawing or renewal depending on EHRC [Equality and Human Rights Commission] guidance and institutional priorities. I believe EDIC [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre] has been exploring alternatives to Stonewall.” 

In April, the Supreme Court of the UK issued a judgement on the meaning of sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. Following guidance from the EHRC and conversations with the Office for Students, Imperial College revised their policies about trans+ people that might have inadvertently restricted free speech, and removed the section about the legal framework supporting trans rights.  

This year, Imperial is not planning to submit for Stonewall accreditation due to concerns about free speech, a source familiar with the matter explained.  

An Imperial College London spokesperson said: “All memberships and accreditation relationships are reviewed regularly, in line with the evolving needs of our community.”

In 2022, when UCL withdrew from the Stonewall membership, the Union Council passed a paper noting its commitment to Stonewall and encouraging Imperial to remain a member and continue submitting for accreditation. 

The paper resolves “To reaffirm its commitment to Stonewall, being fully willing and prepared to lobby ICL against the decision of severing ties with Stonewall in any way, including, but not limited to, withdrawing from the Diversity Champions scheme like UCL did, in the event that this decision were ever considered by the College.” 

Imperial is in a process of reviewing what support is most effective. It is appropriate for the College to review their memberships and accreditation relationships over time. Imperial is mid-accreditation cycle on both Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter.

Higher education institutions have also been invited to consider the Inclusivity Institutions Framework by Advance HE, which may fill a similar role to Stonewall accreditation.

Felix asked trans+ students for their thoughts. Oakley Cooper is on the youth advisory panel at Mermaids (a charity supporting trans+ youth) and has been working to reverse the EHRC trans+ guidance. They explained, “I personally think it is a disgrace they [Imperial] are even considering withdrawing from their Stonewall membership. This is a complete betrayal [of] their trans+ staff and students during a time when these individuals are being targeted in every other sector and facing huge amounts of hostility. […] It signals that the college will not fight or support us which is the bare minimum they should be doing, even if it is through a superficial accreditation.

“Trans+ students already face hardship within gendered sports societies, making it hard for them to participate, as well as in changing their name in the official Imperial system. Despite having changed my name before I came to Imperial, even my shortcode uses the initials of my deadname which I used in UCAS. A lack of care or movement on simple issues like this marginalises trans+ students and places them in dangerous situations when it can be easily avoided.” 

Ash, Trans+ officer for IQ, Imperial’s LGBTQ+ student society, told Felix: “The thought that Imperial is considering cutting off ties to Stonewall is deeply concerning for the queer community, but especially for the trans+ community. As one of the few organisations which has been unwavering in its support for our community, it is incredibly important that the inclusion policies enforced by connection to Stonewall remain in place.” 

Anson To told Felix that while we Imperial have “amazing” trans+ allies and community, they “still hear too much about cases of transphobia, micro-aggressions, misgendering (despite trying to correct the other person multiple times), non-inclusive language, and more. 

“Ultimately, there should be a more proactive approach to raising awareness on the challenges trans+ people face, and on how one could be more inclusive in their practice. Of course, our allies are engaged, but what about other people? Everyone is (rightfully) very busy at Imperial, but how can the leaders within the university make this a priority for those who are unaware?  

“And of course, the need for more gender-neutral toilets, especially in some of the South Kensington buildings – we keep hearing the same student feedback for years.” 

Imperial College Union recently started a gender expression fund for trans+ students. By filling out a form on the Liberation and Community Networks page of the union website, students can purchase up to £100 worth of items to support their transition. These purchases are reviewed by the Advice Manager who anonymises them before they are sent to the DPW and LGBTQ+ Officer for approval. After approval, students can send their packages to either an address of choice or the student union, where Anson To can collect it on their behalf.