Statement of Support for Michael Foran

Statement of Support for Michael Foran, Lecturer in Law at University of Glasgow. 

Academics for Academic Freedom stand in solidarity with Dr Michael Foran, in the face of repeated harassment and online abuse aimed at him because of his academic research and knowledge exchange on the law relating to sex and gender identity. Dr Foran has faced an assault on his academic freedom, attacks on his character and his expertise, including in recent days from a public figure and, shamefully, another academic. We strongly condemn these attacks and urge all academics and academic institutions to defend the right of all academics to conduct research and engage in knowledge exchange free from bullying, harassment and threats to employment. 

Dr Foran is an expert in equality and anti-discrimination law. His research has been published in world-leading law journals and has earned him an international reputation for excellence and rigour. His work on the public understanding of equality law is an example of academic professionalism in the face of extreme provocation. 

Academic freedom and freedom of expression are foundational rights in a liberal democracy. They should be defended when academics or others advance views which are unpopular, offensive, or even shocking. But not all attacks on academics are because they advance controversial views. Although Dr Foran’s public commentary on the law concerns a topic of extreme public controversy, it consists largely of factual description, discussion and analysis of anti-discrimination law. Academics should be free not only to advance controversial views as part of their research, but also to describe settled facts without facing personal attacks, bullying or harassment.

Dr Foran is a convenor of the Glasgow University AFAF branch. Follow them on X: @GlasUniAFAF

Photo Credit. M. Foran/University of Glasgow.