LSE is right to cut ties with Stonewall

The London School of Economics (LSE) shocked their student union this week by informing them that the university is disaffiliating from Stonewall. The union responded with horror, demanding a consultation before reversing ‘the decision to disaffiliate’. The SU has also demanded the establishment of a ‘gender expression fund to pay for items necessary to support transition’ (the equivalent fund at UCL helps transwomen purchase essentials such as makeup) and a ‘designated queer space on campus.’ 

LSE have left the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, a ranking scheme whereby organisations are awarded points according to how closely they follow Stonewall’s policy recommendations. In 2019 LSE set itself the target of being ranked in Stonewall’s top 100 in both 2020/21 and 2022/23. The problem with such targets is that, by relying on Stonewall’s rankings rather than their own judgement, LSE handed effective control of their equalities policies to Stonewall. It seems this is something LSE may have come to regret.