Gender-critical student suspended from university radio after detransitioner interview told ‘take mandatory training’ to get job back – ‘Medieval!’

A University of Leeds undergraduate suspended from hosting a radio show for expressing gender-critical beliefs has been ordered to take mandatory training if she wants to regain her position, she has told GB News.

Connie Shaw, 20, was barred from her role as head of daytime radio after being accused of breaching the student union’s code of conduct, according to the Free Speech Union (FSU).

The third-year philosophy, ethics and religion student was handed a “notice of suspension” by Leeds University Union (LUU) after a complaint was raised with Leeds Student Radio (LSR) over her gender-critical beliefs.

Speaking to GB News about being removed from her radio committee position, she told Andrew Doyle what the union wants in order for her to be reinstated in an interview you can watch above.

“They’ve said that even though I’m graduating next year, so I wouldn’t be running for committee an away, I could only do so if I provide a written apology to the wider membership and if I undergo mandatory training”, she said.

Asked what the training would entail, she said: “I’m not sure. They said it would be up to the union to decide what the training is.”

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Andrew said Shaw’s description made it sound “medieval” as she went on to claim there is a culture of only allowing certain opinions at the university.

“I sit in seminars in a feminist philosophy module that I’m taking and I’m the only one who is gender critical”, she said.

“If there are others, they don’t express their views and everyone already knows what I think.

“There’s no point staying quiet in real life and spouting online. I have very tense seminars and people don’t like what I say.

“I’ve had people tell me that they’ve had friends tell them to be careful of associating themselves with me.”

Speaking to GB News last week, Shaw revealed she hasn’t been specifically told what led to her removal from the position.

The suspension came after Shaw conducted interviews with detransitioner Charlie Bentley Astor and writer Graham Linehan for her podcast series launched in September.

“It very quickly became apparent to me that it was an interrogation of my gender critical views, rather than any sort of misconduct,” Shaw said.

Shaw’s case has drawn attention to procedural concerns at the university.

“The process has been completely improper. They haven’t followed their own guidelines,” she told GB News.

Shaw noted that her face and name were removed from the website and wall display before the investigation concluded.

The Free Speech Union is now appealing on her behalf.

“We believe that I have been discriminated against on the basis of the Equality Act, where my views are specifically protected,” Shaw explained.

She also revealed that others faced pressure by association, with a friend who helped edit her podcast being told to “disassociate himself” from her.

LUU has been contacted for comment.

A spokesman for the union told The Telegraph: “Inclusivity is one of our core values, helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy their university experience, free from discrimination.

“Due to an ongoing appeal, we are unable to comment further on this case.”