Professor Alice Sullivan threatens legal action against University of Bristol after her lecture on sex and gender research was disrupted by protesters in the UK

Sociology professor Alice Sullivan, who led a Government review on sex and gender, has warned the University of Bristol that she may take legal action after her lecture was disrupted by protesters.

The October event, intended to discuss her research, was interrupted when fire alarms were set off, windows were banged on, and abusive gestures were directed at attendees, forcing a change of venue mid-lecture.

Background on the Lecture and Research

Professor Sullivan’s lecture followed her independent, Government-commissioned review, published in March, which recommended that data on biological sex and gender identity be recorded separately.

Her findings also highlighted that universities had hampered research on puberty blockers and failed to protect academics who held gender-critical views.

She concluded that free speech in academia had come “under attack.”

Delays and Disruptions

Sullivan was first invited to speak at Bristol in July 2024, with the lecture initially scheduled for that autumn. However, it was postponed to October 22, 2025.

She claims the university failed to make reasonable arrangements to prevent disruption despite having 15 months to secure a safe venue.

In a pre-action letter, her lawyers noted that the university allowed her to move to a higher floor mid-talk and was influenced by complaints from LGBTQ+ staff regarding alleged transphobia.

Restrictions Imposed on the Lecture

Initially, the university suggested the lecture could only take place online due to “capacity concerns.”

Sullivan successfully challenged this, but she claims the university then imposed limits on attendance and barred undergraduates from attending, actions she says were meant to “marginalise” her talk.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Brazilian researchers find ancient herb Joseph’s Coat could reduce knee pain and inflammation for osteoarthritis patients in laboratory tests

Christopher Nolan unveils first teaser for The Odyssey showcasing ancient Greece and star-studded cast including Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway

Russia claims it is willing to legally guarantee no attack on NATO while US intelligence warns of Putin’s continued ambitions in Ukraine and Europe

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown opens up about personal hair loss struggles and mental health journey while announcing partnership with Nutrafol in the United States

Legal Context and Free Speech Obligations

Universities in the UK are legally required to protect the rights of staff, students, and visiting speakers to express views, even if those views are offensive to some.

Institutions that fail to uphold these rights can face fines.

The University of Sussex, for example, was ordered to pay £585,000 in March after restricting a professor’s right to free speech.

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 reinforces this duty, and Professor Sullivan’s proposed action is thought to be the first test case under the new law.

Professor Sullivan Speaks Out

Speaking to The Times, Sullivan said:

“It is a central part of the function of universities to provide a space where critical analysis, dialogue, and the pursuit of knowledge can occur without fear.

If the university cannot safely host a talk about data, statistics, and research on sex and gender, something has gone badly wrong.”

She described both the obstruction from university managers and the aggressive protest as shocking.

University Response

A University of Bristol spokesman responded:

“Although protesters caused unacceptable disruption, appropriate measures were in place to enable the event to continue.

We refute claims that we failed to protect her freedom of speech; the restrictions she outlines were all necessary for public safety.

Clearly, the intimidating behaviour of protesters was not peaceful.

We will take disciplinary action if anyone from the university is identified as being involved.”

The Ongoing Debate

This incident highlights ongoing tensions in academia over gender-critical research, free speech, and campus protests.

With the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act now in force, Professor Sullivan’s case could set an important precedent for how UK universities handle controversial topics and protect visiting speakers in the future.