There’s an inherent contradiction at the heart of liberal thinking that perpetually raises its head. It’s one which has become ever-more pronounced in our age of ultra-progressive politics: the tension between equality and liberty. Many progressives think you can have both. Alas not. You can only have either, or a greater emphasis upon one at the expense of the other.
This contradiction has once more been made evident today amidst reports of a lecturer who says he is the latest victim of ‘cancel culture’. James Treadwell, a professor of criminology at Staffordshire University, says that he is ‘being investigated for transphobia’ after his employer received ‘formal and official’ complaints about his gender-critical views on Twitter.
Staffordshire University has confirmed that his case is indeed being reviewed. It has said:
Which group should be protected? The offended or the offensive?
‘As a university we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure we promote a positive culture where everyone is able to be themselves.

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