Selina Todd, professor of modern history at Oxford, was invited to speak but then no-platformed

An Oxford University college has been told to overhaul its rules to protect free speech after a history professor was banned from speaking at a conference she helped to organise after pressure from trans activists.

Selina Todd, professor of modern history at the university, was invited to give a speech at the Women’s Liberation 50th Anniversary Celebration, organised by the Oxford International Women’s Festival and held at Exeter College this year. Shortly before she was due to speak, her invitation was withdrawn and the event went ahead without her.

Todd’s links to Woman’s Place UK, which campaigns for separate spaces and services for women, were said to be behind the decision. Trans activists have criticised the organisation.

Todd was one of two women to be