Brown University and PLoS ONE: Defend academic freedom and scientific inquiry

Please don’t stifle research into this incredibly important topic for our children’s wellbeing. Rapid onset is real and deadly. I applaud the researchers for studying it.

Confronting the mob is the only way to rein it in. The anti-intellectual bent of higher ed will be its demise.

Stand for science!

Academic freedom is paramount.

We must've defend scientific inquiry from political activism.

Unfortunately there are lots of cases in which researchers come under attack, including from governments, industry, professions and citizen campaigners (http://www.bmartin.cc/dissent/). For example, Alice Dreger in her insightful book Galileo’s Middle Finger tells of attacks on researchers who have studied transgender issues. Attackers use a predictable set of tactics to reduce public outrage (http://wp.me/p4CsLE-gz). Speaking out in support of researchers is one of the best ways to counter attacks.

I’m very concerned that we don’t have enough research and information that would allow to us support our younger generation. The shutting down of discussion and debate in this area generally feels very sinister.

Ideology must not interfere with scientific research, especially when the research is of such potential significance to young people and those who love them.

This is the sort of research we need exactly at this moment. To not promote it is the hurt Brown's reputation as a research institution.

As a parent of a teenaged lesbian I've watched as one by one her peers have exhibited ROGD. There's nothing to be gained by ignoring the issue and everything to be gained from further research.

Not an objection to any research that it could be used to invalidate someone's perspective.

The limitations are set out in the paper and there is a call for more research. Areas of research often start with small studies like this. Please stand up for academic freedom and don't give in to pressure groups. Academics have been disagreeing with each other for years - this means being open, not restricting findings that some may wish to undermine

Even calling the research “controversial” means you’ve given in to the crazy demands of a small but aggressive cult. What’s controversial about seeking more knowledge in order to help vulnerable children?

As a supportive family member of a lesbian teen who experience (brief & temporary) Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria after befriending trans-activists online, I respectfully ask you to support academic freedom and scientific inquiry, including Dr. Littman's research. It may be controversial to some, but it is a legitimate, important, and honest study.

All scientific/academic research deserves and demands to be read, reviewed and debated by the world's citizens in the public domain. All tactics to silence a side in favor of an uncontested narrative need to be eradicated.

This needs to be talked about.

Please do your job and defend academic freedom. Please do your job and stand up for freedom of expression. Please do your job and be decent human beings.

research into ROGD needs to continue

From personal experience with my daughter, who desisted, I know this is true.

Please defend academic freedom.