‘Unlawful’ OfS ruling against University of Sussex should be quashed, court told

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Sally Weale Education correspondentFebruary 3, 2026 at 07:02 PM

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The University of Sussex is challenging a £585,000 fine imposed by the Office for Students (OfS) in a judicial review at the High Court in London. The university argues the OfS ruling was "unlawful," "unreasonable," and "procedurally unfair," impacting its reputation and finances. The OfS investigation, lasting three and a half years, stemmed from concerns about student protests targeting professor Kathleen Stock over her views on gender identity. The OfS focused on the university's trans and non-binary equality policy statement, deeming it a breach of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Sussex contends the OfS lacked jurisdiction and that the policy aimed to promote fair treatment. The university seeks to quash the OfS ruling, citing concerns over institutional autonomy and the scope of the regulator's powers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

England 40% London 50% Chris Buttler KC 60% Kathleen Stock ×375% University of Sussex ×890% Office for Students (OfS) ×795%

Keywords

office for students 90% university of sussex 90% judicial review 70% freedom of speech 70% policy statement 60% transgender rights 60% academic freedom 60% fine 60% institutional autonomy 50% student protests 50%