Mother-of-two Lisa Keogh, 29, was investigated by Abertay University in Dundee after saying ‘women have vaginas’ during a class on transgender issues
MailOnline can reveal that a student at a Scottish university is being sued for making her go through disciplinary after she claimed that women have vaginas during a class on transgender topics. MailOnline can confirm that she plans to fight the legal action.
Mother-of-two Lisa Keogh, 29, was investigated by Abertay University in Dundee during the summer after classmates complained that she made ‘inappropriate’ and ‘discriminatory’ remarks about biological sex during an online seminar on gender politics.
After a two-month investigation by the university’s disciplinary committee, she was cleared of misconduct charges. This probe took place while she was taking her final year exams.
Last month, the mature student launched legal action against Abertay University, claiming that the institution broke the Equality Act 2010 by pursuing her for ‘expressing her gender critical beliefs’ and caused ‘stress at the most crucial part of my university career’.
MailOnline can now reveal that Abertay University has submitted a notice of intention to defend in a sheriff court, meaning the institution has 14 days to submit their defence. A spokesperson for Abertay University declined comment.
MailOnline today spoke with Miss Keogh, who said that the university’s actions had been a direct attack to her right to free expression. She stated that she was previously the victim of a “modern-day witch hunt” and that the complaints were “groundless” and the process was “needlessly cruelty”.
Miss Keogh stated that she strongly believes that my expression of gender-critical views in the same circumstances as mine is protected under the Equality Act 2010.
“It was also an attack on my right for free speech.
“We believe that Abertay broke the Act and made me suffer a terrible time while I was taking my final exams and submitting final work. We are confident that the Sheriff will stand by me when the truth is revealed.
MailOnline has received word that Abertay University submitted a notice indicating their intention to defend before a sheriff court. The institution now has fourteen days to defend themselves. Abertay University declined comments
Last month, she stated in a statement that her solicitors MML Legal Dundee had brought an action against Abertay University.
In a statement last month, she said: ‘I can confirm that my solicitors MML Legal Dundee have raised an action by me against Abertay University, Dundee.
“As the matter is now before the Court, I can’t discuss the merits. I can however confirm that they are seeking compensation for me for initiating a disciplinary procedure against me for expressing gender critical beliefs. This was, according to my legal team, a violation of the Equality Act 2010, and an infringement on my ECHR rights for freedom of expression.
A spokesperson for An Abertay University stated last month that the university had received a letter from Ms Keogh’s solicitor. We won’t make any further comments at this time.
MML Legal Dundee’s lawyers for Miss Keogh claim that the university discriminated against her because of her gender critical beliefs.
The writ states, “The pursuer’s gender critical beliefs constitute a protected characteristic within section 4 and 10 of 2010 Act.”
“The pursuer’s beliefs” are true beliefs that relate to a significant aspect of human life and behavior; are cogent, serious and cohesive; and are worthy respect in a democratic society.
“Her beliefs constitute a philosophical belief within section 10 of the 2010 Act.” As the governing body of a Scottish University’s University, the defender cannot discriminate against students.
According to legal documents, her legal teams add that she has’suffered injuries feelings, stress and anxiety, and sleeplessness’ as a consequence of these events. Her GP prescribed medication for her to manage her symptoms.
Miss Keogh was charged with making offensive comments and being disrespectful during class discussions.
She was also charged with having ‘behaved disrespectfully’ despite being reminded about the university’s conduct policy.
The board stated that it had reviewed the recordings from the lesson and found no evidence of discrimination. It also found that the student had not ‘intentionally shouted during class’.
“The board concluded that there was not enough evidence to support your allegations regarding your conduct in class and decided to drop the charge of misconduct.”
Miss Keogh tweeted last week: “After speaking with legal professionals I have decided that I will take action against Abertay University because of the stress caused at my most crucial part in my university career.”
“Action was initiated last Wednesday. I will raise funds for this.
After making comments at a seminar about transgender issues, the mother of two was brought before a disciplinary panel
“I would be grateful for your support during this difficult time. I hope you will support this cause by sharing it widely and donating if you can. Once the fundraising page is finalized, I will post it.
She said that she hoped students wouldn’t be intimidated to voice their opinions fearing being subject to prosecution.
The university had previously stated that it was legally obliged to investigate all complaints.
In May, she spoke out to the Daily Mail about the reason for the complaint. A biological fact, I thought it was – and still think it – but it seems now that it is unacceptable to say it.
“The whole thing became a row. It became very toxic. Because I had dared not to question transgender rights, I was made a target.
After her graduation in July, she described the moment as bittersweet, as she was still upset about the university.
Miss Keogh stated at the time that she had been through two months of torture, which caused me a lot mental anguish. I am still angry at the university and that I had to deal this while I was trying to focus on my graduate degree.
“It’s a huge achievement for me, and there are many silver linings as well as positives that I can take from it. I’m now focusing on finding employment and hoping to leave this behind.