Cambridge University Women’s Society Faces Backlash and Petition

The establishment of the Cambridge University Society of Women (CUSW) has triggered significant controversy at the historic Cambridge University. Launched last week, CUSW claims to be “the only openly and proudly single-sex society for women at the university.” Following its announcement, the society encountered a wave of criticism, with many accusing its founders of perpetuating transphobia.

Maeve Halligan, a 22-year-old postgraduate student and co-founder of CUSW alongside Serena Worley and Thea Sewell, expressed her disappointment in the backlash. She noted that while the society was not created as a reaction to ongoing debates about gender and identity, the response has led to her growing frustration. Halligan stated, “Free speech on UK campuses is somewhat under threat,” emphasizing the need for an environment where women can “discuss and disagree safely and civilly and freely.”

The society’s inaugural social media post received an overwhelming number of critical comments within hours. Halligan reported that the remarks ranged from accusations of being “the opposite of progressive” to more hostile statements such as “choke on your hatred.” She pointed out that many of these comments came from women and non-binary officers on campus, who previously only represented women.

In response to the society’s formation, a petition titled “Ban the New Cambridge University ‘Women’s Society'” quickly emerged on Change.org. As of the latest count, the petition had garnered over 245 signatures, aiming to pressure the Student Union into refusing CUSW’s registration. The petition alleges that the society “endangers the safety and rights of trans people at Cambridge,” asserting that its existence promotes transphobia.

Halligan defended the society’s focus on biological sex, stating, “Acknowledging the facts of biological sex is now somehow a politicised belief.” She noted that some students might feel discouraged from joining due to the perception of the society’s “single-sex nature as a political imposition.” Halligan remarked, “They’re seeing the backlash. It’s sadly still brave to join a society like this.”

Reflecting on the societal changes in recent years, Halligan lamented that discussions surrounding women’s issues have increasingly become intertwined with debates about gender identity. “What bothers me the most is that we’re talking about men while purporting to discuss a women’s issue. We’re facing a male threat to women,” she said, expressing her exasperation with the current state of free speech at the university.

Cambridge University has developed a reputation for being “woke,” according to Halligan. She referenced instances in sports where transgender athletes have joined women’s teams and colleges that have begun accepting students who identify as women, regardless of their biological sex. “It’s as small as the kind of pronouns in every email signature that was enforced for a period of time,” she added. “It’s corrupt.”

CUSW offers two types of membership: one for current female students and another for female alumni of Cambridge. If all applicants pass the vetting process, the society anticipates welcoming around 30 student members within its first fortnight, with more than 100 alumnae already signed up.

This ongoing debate highlights the complexities surrounding gender identity and women’s rights, prompting strong reactions from various groups within the university community. As the discourse evolves, the implications for free speech and women’s advocacy remain at the forefront of discussions at Cambridge University.