Professor Dismissed Following Derogatory Remarks Toward Transgender Student and Comparing Universities to Institutions for Disabled Persons Loses Free Speech Case
In a court hearing, it was revealed that a university professor lost his job for making derogatory comments about a student. Russell Cherrington, a senior lecturer at the University of Derby, was accused of labeling a student as a "troublesome trans kid."
Cherrington, a TV and film academic, voiced his criticisms of universities, stating they had transformed into 'care homes' for people with disabilities and complained about diversity hiring practices. He argued that he was shielded by new free speech legislation meant to protect university staff from censorship.
However, after students shared tearful complaints about his comments, Cherrington was fired for his "misogynistic, transphobic, and ableist" remarks. The tribunal found that Cherrington had breached principles of "equality, dignity, and inclusivity" with his speech.
Surprisingly, the tribunal also decided that the university did not infringe upon free speech laws, as Cherrington's comments were not part of academic discussions or related to teaching materials.
Cherrington was initially hired by the university in September 2010. After receiving poor student satisfaction ratings, a meeting was held to address the concerns raised in the survey, during which his behavior was discussed. The students left the meeting visibly upset by his comments.
Among the controversial remarks he made were showing a Madonna music video to illustrate the benefits of selling one's body and challenging the attractiveness of women in a video. Regarding a character with autism in a script, he stated that universities were becoming 'care homes' for people with disabilities. On diversity in the industry, he claimed that people were hired to fulfill diversity quotas, which hindered the opportunities for 'normal people.'
Cherrington also refused to accommodate a transgender student dealing with mental health issues, referring to the student as a "troublesome trans kid," and only addressed women on the course as "females."
Following an investigation into his inappropriate language, Cherrington was suspended from student-facing duties and instructed to work from home. After initial investigative meetings in January and February 2024, a disciplinary hearing was scheduled, chaired by Prof Alex Molasiotis.
During the hearing in April, the allegations against Cherrington were presented, including his use of the phrase "troublesome trans kid." The panel concluded that several of his comments were offensive and discriminatory, resulting in his dismissal. Cherrington appealed his sacking, but the decision was upheld.
The appeal panel found that Cherrington's dismissal did not violate free speech legislation since his comments were not academic in nature and were considered discriminatory. Cherrington then brought his case to a tribunal, citing bias in the decision-making process and unheard witnesses. However, the tribunal ruled that his dismissal was fair, and the disciplinary process was carried out correctly, taking into account his previously unblemished record.
- Professor Russell Cherrington, who was fired for his derogatory comments about a student, had previously criticized universities, arguing they had transformed into care homes for people with disabilities and expressed concerns about diversity hiring practices.
- At the university, Cherrington refused to accommodate a transgender student dealing with mental health issues, referring to the student as a "troublesome trans kid."
- Despite Cherrington's claims that new free speech legislation protected him from censorship, the tribunal found that he had breached principles of equality, dignity, and inclusivity with his speech.
- After discussing Cherrington's behavior at a meeting to address student concerns, the students left visibly upset by his comments, which included showing a Madonna music video to illustrate the benefits of selling one's body and challenging the attractiveness of women.
- In the appeal process, Cherrington brought up claims of bias in the decision-making process and unheard witnesses, but the tribunal ruled that his dismissal was fair and the disciplinary process was carried out correctly, considering his previously unblemished record.
