Home News Raquel Rosario Sanchez loses legal case over trans rights protests
Raquel Rosario Sanchez loses legal case over trans rights protests
Gemma Stone
A photo of a stone "university of Bristol" sign
She attempted to argue that the University of Bristol had allowed her to be bullied, this after she took part in an active hate campaign against trans people's human rights via Women's Place UK.
Racquel Rosario Sanchez sued the University of Bristol for negligence, breach of contract and sex discrimination. The judge dismissed her claims saying the university had not failed in its duty of care.
The judge noted that Sanchez had been in receipt of threats of violence and other inimidating posts on social media. However it was ruled that no actionable breach of duty had taken place, though the university could have dealt with Sanchez's complaints in a "much better fashion".
Sanchez has been involved with anti-trans activism in the UK for many years now, including having been invited to Parliament by The Women's and Equalities Select Committee to give her opinion opposing proposed Gender Recognition Act reform. She attended representing FiLiA, alongside Women's Place UK and Fair Play For Women; all of which are described as hate groups by LGBTQIA+ communities.
Even after having read and re-read the judgment, which you can read in full here, I still don't understand her legal position. I don't see how she managed to convince herself it was her university's responsibility to protect her from protest of her support for those who oppose other people's human rights.
Having raised almost £50,000 in support of her legal case at time of writing, I can only imagine how much good that money could've done if donated to actual feminist causes. Rather than squandered on protecting bigoted egos. Writing to update those who funded her case Sanchez posted a statement of gratitude which finishes;
"Being funded by the public, this legal case belongs to all of you. But today, there is one thing that truly belongs only to me. And that is a deep sense of pride, respect, and admiration for the woman I have become over the course of these very difficult years. The risk to me is not over: I have lost my case, and I may now have to meet the University's legal costs. To risk the loss of my academic dreams, financial ruin and reputational damage is a frightening prospect for anyone, and especially at my age. But I am glad that when the moment of truth came, I took these risks in order to do the right thing and object to injustice."
and its sad. I don't know how much danger her university career is actually in, but should she lose it because she decided to participate in anti-trans activism that will be sad. It will be wasted potential that just didn't need to end up wasted, but its a story transphobes will continue to relive until they finally decide to put the transphobia away, once and for all.
Fair Play For Women
Gender Recognition Act
Raquel Rosario Sanchez
Women's Place UK
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Gemma Stone is a transgender writer who has been covering the rise of transphobic hate campaigning in the UK. She has written hundreds of articles dissecting aspects of transphobia including debunking blatant disinformation. She is very tired and trying her best, and hopefully having a positive impact on such a beautiful community.