The University of Aberdeen has concluded an investigation into a senior lecturer accused of bigotry and transphobia by “trans activist” students, clearing him of all allegations following a “preposterous” set of claims in a year-long inquiry that he says should never have been launched.
Dr John Baird, a senior lecturer in zoology who has been nominated multiple times by students for Science Lecturer of the Year, revealed this week that he had been the subject of a protracted internal probe after students accused him of being “racist, bigoted, homophobic, misogynistic and transphobic”. According to Baird, the complaints cited what he described as “preposterous” evidence, including his decision to play music from the Harry Potter films during teaching labs.
In a statement published on his X account, Baird said he had “burst out laughing” when an external HR consultant asked him to explain the use of the soundtrack in class. “Highlights [of the evidence] included that I play Harry Potter music in my teaching labs, which I do,” he wrote. “I play it because my students love Harry Potter. And it sets a nice vibe in the lab which builds a bridge between me and the students.”
The complaint, he said, came from postgraduate students who had never been taught by him and whom he described as “trans activists” critical of his gender-critical views. His social-media history includes recent posts supporting figures such as JK Rowling, a staunch defender of women’s sex-based rights, and Sandie Peggie, the nurse pursuing employment-tribunal claims against NHS Fife on grounds of belief discrimination linked to gender-critical views, as well as statements critical of gender-identity ideology. One post stated, for instance, that “trans ideology ruins lives”.
Baird further alleged that the past year had involved a series of incidents linked to the dispute. He reported facing “constant” online abuse and attempts to shame him by circulating his emails on social media, and said posters were placed outside his office in an attempt to intimidate him. He also described receiving threats, including one image circulated online that labelled him “chief bigot” and featured his workplace details alongside the phrase “never suffer a bigot to live”. More recently, he said he had been confronted in a bar by one of the activists involved.
The scope and findings of the Aberdeen investigation have not been released, but in his X post Baird said he had been informed this week that he had been cleared of all accusations, adding: “The evidence was preposterous, and I should never have been investigated.”
Reflecting on the past year, he added that he was “optimistic for the future”, noting that recent changes in senior roles at Aberdeen gave him confidence that similar disputes would be handled differently. “I’m also very glad to say that, excluding the odd activist, my students are the loveliest and brightest young people anyone could have the privilege to meet.”
Approached by the Press and Journal, a university spokesperson said: “We can’t comment on individual staffing matters. However, the university seeks to foster a culture of dignity, respect and inclusivity for all, while recognising that a diversity of views exists across our institution. Individuals have the right to hold and express their beliefs, even if those beliefs may be opposed by others, without fear of censorship or reprisal. Debate is an important part of university culture. Forums for discussions should be conducted in the context of our values of openness and mutual respect.”
Baird’s case concludes just as new free-speech duties have come into force south of the border, where reforms are intended – at least on paper – to make experiences of this kind less likely. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which commenced on 1 August, imposes new statutory duties on higher-education providers in England and Wales. The Office for Students, the English sector regulator now tasked with issuing guidance on the Act’s implementation and, in due course, operating a new complaints scheme, has recently published detailed statutory guidance setting out how English universities are expected to handle complaints relating to lawful speech. The guidance makes clear that providers should not encourage students or staff to report others for the lawful expression of particular viewpoints, and that complaints should be triaged so that “vexatious, frivolous or obviously unmeritorious complaints” can be rejected at an early stage. It also states that investigations should be concluded “as rapidly as is reasonably practicable and compatible with fairness”, to prevent the process itself becoming a deterrent to academic expression.
This article forms part of the Committee for Academic Freedom’s monitoring of developments in UK higher education. To receive monthly updates and analysis on cases affecting academic freedom, click the link and subscribe to our newsletter.