A London University has been criticised for removing the word ‘woman’ from it’s maternity policy and declaring that maternity, as well as the menopause, applies to “all genders”.
The University of the Arts London (UAL) implemented the wording in its policies a year ago, but the move has attracted attention since the institution began virtue signalling about it on social media and its own website.
Happy #InternationalWomensDay!
At UAL we are taking action to tackle typically gendered issues in society ↓
— University of the Arts London (@UAL) March 8, 2023
University of the Arts London Vice Chancellor James Purnell wrote in a LinkedIn post in October 2022, “At UAL, we are introducing equal parental leave. Every new parent will be entitled to six months at full pay,” adding “It is fair to every kind of parent, of whatever gender or sex, or sexual orientation, whether adopting or not.”
In a further press release, the University noted that it’s maternity and menopause policies apply “irrespective of gender, sexual orientation or how people become parents.”
The policy itself states, “we wish to affirm in our use of language in this letter that not all pregnant people are women and thereby acknowledge trans, non-binary, gender-queer and gender fluid pregnant people and parents.”
In updated menopause policies, the university notes that it “may also be experienced by colleagues who do not identify as female.”
“UAL recognizes that menopause may also be experienced by colleagues who do not identify as female, so this guidance and support content is intended to support anyone experiencing menopause, regardless of their gender identity,” the university asserts.