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University of Hull students are protesting against renaming a lecture theatre after a woman who questioned whether transgender women should be considered “real women.”

Broadcaster Jenni Murray wrote "it takes more than a sex change and make-up" to "lay claim to womanhood" in an article published in Sunday Times Magazine last year.

Under the title “Be trans, be proud – but don’t call yourself a ‘real woman’", Dame Murray wrote: “I know that in writing this article I am entering into the most controversial and, at times, vicious, vulgar and threatening debate of our day. I’m diving headfirst into deep and dangerous waters.”

The BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour presenter, who has been criticised for her views, says she is “not transphobic or anti-trans”, and has called for respect and protection from bullying and violence equally for “transsexuals, transvestites, gays, lesbians and those of us who hold to the sex and sexual preference assumed at birth”.

(Image: Chester Chronicle)

The University of Hull, where Dame Murray studied French and Drama, will unveil a lecture theatre named after her on Monday evening as part of a Women in Leadership event.

But numerous students and Hull University Union have opposed the move. The University of Hull has said it is now taking further feedback and is reviewing a decision to rename the lecture theatre.

What the student union says

A spokesman for the student president team said: "We are aware of comments on social media over the weekend about the naming of a lecture theatre after Jenni Murray and her attendance at a Women in Leadership event this evening.

"We stand with our trans students and the wider trans community in their right to identify however they wish. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Trans rights are human rights.

(Image: Peter Harbour)

"We oppose the naming of a lecture theatre after Jenni Murray and will no longer be supporting the event this evening.

"We do not believe that someone who holds these views should be presented as role model to students and are disappointed that despite being aware of Jenni’s published views and our stance, the University are continuing with the naming event.

"We have all signed a motion to oppose the naming of the lecture theatre which has been submitted by a student to Union Council. We will be actively lobbying the University to reverse their decision.

"We are not calling for tonight’s Women in Leadership event to be cancelled as we believe that Jenni Murray’s views should be debated and challenged.

(Image: Peter Harbour)

"To share your support of the motion to oppose the naming of the lecture theatre you can attend Union Council on Monday 10th December at 6.30pm in meeting room 1, Student Central."

Chair of the Union Council and transgender student Jess Clunan took to Twitter to complain about the renaming. She said: "As a Trans student, can I ask why I'll soon be forced to attend lectures in a theatre named after someone who doesn't believe I am a woman????"

Meanwhile George Aylett posted: "Strong from Hull Uni Union regarding naming lecture theatre after someone who has been condemned by many trans people as transphobic.

"Murray's comments are concerning and it seems she has not changed her mind. Trans women are women Trans men are men Trans rights are human rights."

Hull University Drag Arts Society said: "We as a society stand with our Trans brothers and sisters And we are wholeheartedly against the naming of a lecture theatre after Jenni Murray as we do not feel this sets a good precedent as a University based on her previous anti-trans comments."

What University of Hull says

(Image: Peter Harbour)

A University of Hull spokesman said it has chosen to name six lecture theatres after women alumni who have achieved great success in their careers. The decision to name a lecture theatre after Dame Jenni Murray was made some time ago in recognition of her distinguished career as a broadcaster and journalist.

The spokesman said: “In recent days, some of our staff and students have expressed concern about this decision, particularly in light of comments made by Dame Jenni in 2017 in relation to transgender issues.

“As a University striving to accelerate our equality, diversity and inclusion agenda, we will take these views into account.

“Over coming days, we will be inviting further feedback from our wider staff and student population which will then allow us to comprehensively review the decision to name the lecture theatre after Dame Jenni.

(Image: Peter Harbour)

“Tonight’s event is designed to hear inspirational women talk about their experience of leadership in their diverse careers, the challenges they have faced and what advice they would give to young women entering the workplace now.”

A similar protest

The protest comes after the Dame pulled out of a University of Oxford University talk last month amid backlash over her views.

The event was due to take place at Oriel College's Harris Lecture Theatre and would have been in "an interview format with ample opportunity for audience questions".

In a statement the history society at the college said: "Jenni Murray was invited for her prominent role as presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, as well as for her historical writings.

"As a society we condemn any transphobia and do not necessarily endorse the views of our speakers."

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