University update on UK Supreme Court ruling
The University is committed to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming for all staff, students and visitors. This includes supporting people who wish to make or have made changes to their gender identity.
Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act
On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court issued a ruling setting out the definition of the terms ‘woman’, ‘man’ and ‘sex’ for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act, at the same time confirming the legal protections for transgender people in respect of discrimination and harassment under that Act.
The ruling provides legal clarity on the definition of the above terms under the Act, but we recognise that the issues involved in this case have been divisive and painful, leaving many in our community with questions.
The University will uphold the law, as we are required to do, and we will do so with support and compassion.
Our next steps
What the ruling means for the daily functioning of organisations is not clear at this stage and we have much to still understand.
On 25 April 2025, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) shared an interim update on the practical implications of the UK Supreme Court judgement. We expect more statutory and non-statutory guidance to follow.
We have established a task and finish group to consider how best to implement revised guidance and where we must follow the law.
This includes reviewing our approach to facilities, with the latest EHRC guidance outlining what appropriate facilities need to be in place, before we then update our inclusive facilities, support for our trans and non-binary community and other relevant information.
Our commitment and support
First and foremost, we remain as committed as ever to our principles of equality, diversity and inclusion; we want everyone to be in no doubt about this.
All our staff and students should feel they are an integral part of the York community, where everyone can contribute to university life, knowledge and growth.
We need to work closely with all our community to listen and understand more about the ruling’s impact, especially given the breadth of its implications and that the issues raised are prompting a range of concerns and opinions.
It may take some time to work through the ramifications and we will continue to provide updates to our community as our work proceeds.
Importantly, we know our focus must go beyond practical thinking, so we include information below on sources of wellbeing and psychological support. If you know someone is feeling anxious or concerned, please reach out and help direct them to the range of support that we can offer.
- Information on sources of support for students
- Information on sources of support for staff
Above all, the University does not tolerate harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour in relation to any protected characteristic, including trans history or identity, or on any other basis. Our Dignity at Work and Study Policy outlines our commitment to creating a working, learning, social and living environment which is safe, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour you can report it through Report + Support.