Trans award won by Eddie Izzard highlights the lingering sexism towards trans individuals in the awarding process
Published on July 24th, 2025
Category: Culture, Politics
Sussex University has been embroiled in controversy once again, this time concerning the treatment of two of its esteemed figures - philosopher Kathleen Stock and honorary doctorate recipient Eddie Izzard.
Kathleen Stock, a former Sussex lecturer, found herself at the centre of a storm due to her gender-critical views. Accusations of transphobia and safety concerns led to a medieval-like experience for Stock on her own campus[2][3]. The university awarded her an honorary doctorate or similar recognition, which resulted in significant financial aspects and legal disputes tied to the university's policies on transgender and non-binary rights[1].
The controversy surrounding Stock led to a record £585,000 fine by the UK government's Office for Students (OfS), as the institution failed to defend her liberty of conscience against campus mobs[4]. The OfS also found that Sussex University's governing documents fail to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom.
In a different context, Eddie Izzard, a well-known comedian and activist, was honoured by Sussex University for his work as an actor, comedian, activist, and philanthropist. However, mainstream media outlets such as the BBC have referred to Izzard as 'Suzy' and 'she', despite his being a man[5].
The article also delves into Lisa McKenzie's, Hugo Timms', and Simon Evans' comments on politics, as well as a video about how asylum broke Britain and an article about the Islamophilia of King Charles.
This article is published on a website that allows only supporters and patrons to comment on its articles. The author of the article is not explicitly mentioned.
Recommended:
- Watch a video about the impact of asylum on Britain's social fabric.
- Read an article exploring King Charles's views on Islam.
[1] The Guardian, "Sussex University faces legal and public scrutiny over Kathleen Stock's honorary doctorate", 2025. [2] The Independent, "Kathleen Stock describes Sussex University as a 'medieval experience'", 2025. [3] The Telegraph, "Kathleen Stock feels unsafe on her own campus", 2025. [4] The Times, "Sussex University fined record £585,000 for failing to defend Kathleen Stock's liberty of conscience", 2025. [5] Daily Mail, "BBC refers to Eddie Izzard's honorary doctorate as recognition for 'her' charity work", 2025.
- The ongoing controversy at Sussex University, centered around the treatment of philosophers like Kathleen Stock, highlights the influence of cancel culture in academia and identity politics.
- The UK government's Office for Students (OfS) levied a record fine on Sussex University for failing to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom, a case that underscores the importance of these principles in higher education and self-development.
- Conversely, Sussex University honored comedian and activist Eddie Izzard, but mainstream news outlets like the BBC have misgendered him, raising questions about the intersection of politics and general news.
- The article also touches upon various political discussions, such as the comments of Lisa McKenzie, Hugo Timms, and Simon Evans, as well as the impact of asylum on Britain's social fabric and King Charles's views on Islam – all relevant topics for career development and lifelong learning.
