University of Warwick retreats after draft policy sought to bar trans people from most single-sex toilets

COVENTRY, ENG., May 14, 2025 - The University of Warwick quietly replaced its “Trans Inclusion Code of Conduct” with a version stating that transgender staff and students could only use toilets and changing rooms either (1) matching their sex assigned at birth or (2) designated gender-neutral. Access to facilities aligned with their lived gender would be forbidden. The draft echoed new, non-binding Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance issued after last month’s UK Supreme Court ruling that “woman” in the Equality Act means biological sex.

Within hours students posted the policy to Reddit, calling it “hateful” and warning they would avoid campus or even transfer. Campus unions (UCU, Unison and Unite) told management the move would expose trans people to harassment and could breach equality law.

Late on 15 May Warwick reverted the webpage and apologized, saying the update was an “error” that uploaded a draft still under review. “We are deeply sorry for the pain and upset caused,” a spokesperson said, adding that the university is still assessing the legal implications of recent national rulings but has not adopted any new restrictions.

The incident shows how quickly UK universities are responding to shifting legal advice on single-sex spaces—and the fierce opposition such changes meet on campus. Warwick’s climb-down also signals that institutions may face reputational and legal risks if they follow the EHRC’s interim guidance without consultation.

Warwick says it will consult further before issuing a final policy. Student groups and unions are pressing for a reaffirmation of the right to use facilities matching lived gender and for broader investment in gender-neutral options. Nationally, higher-education leaders are watching the case as they update their own policies in light of the Supreme Court decision and EHRC advice.

*Sources:

*https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/warwick-proposes-banning-trans-people-preferred-toilets

*https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/05/14/university-of-warwick-trans-student-policy/