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

Put it back

Scientific inquiry demands full & fair airing & debate of theories, data, etc. Don't let activists control speech or research.

Parent to FtM which fits perfectly to the ROGD description.

A disgraceful way to treat one of your academics. You should have trust in their judgement and rigour.

Dr. Littman's study is essential! ROGD is real. We cannot cave to ignorance!

Academic freedom is paramount. You can’t suppress a study because you don’t like the results. If there are issues they should be dealt with through debate not withdrawal.

The covering letter to this petition amply reflects my own thoughts and feelings. The Royal College of Psychiatry recommends a 'watchful waiting' approach for AYAs, which seems eminently sensible given that these are young people in process of development. It cannot be right that young people, mostly girls, many diagnosed autistic, should be enabled to undergo harmful and irreversible procedures or treatments, without some considerable time to mull and consider all aspects and consequences. Especially so, given the high rate, some 70%, of those who go on to desist or detransition - sadly, often with tragically ruined bodies. Many parents are effectively blackmailed by incorrect statistics - "a trans child or a dead child!" - into going along with what seems to be akin to a conveyor belt. Not so, the parents who have signed this petition. On the contrary, they have searched out information and have researched all possible outcomes. To label these parents 'unsupportive' or 'disconnected' is nothing short of a nonsense. Dr Littman's research is vital and groundbreaking. That it has generated such a hue and cry only speaks to its importance. Brown University and PLOS ONE need to find the mettle to not only defend Dr Littman's study but to defend academia itself and the essence of the Academy: the freedom to ask awkward questions and undertake scientific enquiry.

I am very grateful for the publication of Dr Lisa Littman’s study on the topic of rapid onset gender dysphoria (ROGD). Please continue to stand by her work – it is much needed and much appreciated.

I am a trans survivor, feminist and activist.

This is an absolutely cowardly move on the part of Brown University—and a sign that the administration won't support its own academics as soon as the first sign of an online witch hunt appears.

We must put a stop to the bullying of academics

The Dean's letter is dismissive of parents, like me, who have legitimate questions based on the love we have for our children. I have read enough and talked to enough people to know without a doubt that ROGD is a phenomenon that needs to be studied. Disappointed in this decision by Brown. The school should rethink its response and stand with academic freedom and inquiry.

Support academic freedom

Academic freedom is part of a democratic society

Support real research like this!

I am an out gay graduate of Harvard Divinity School and an ordained Unitarian Universalist and wish to add my support for the need for academically critical decent regarding the gender revolution. Gender Identity Disorder which may argued since it emerged in the DSm that this was a way to try and cure gay children and so it is fulfilling its destiny. We will someday regret the ghoulishness of parents hormonally and surgically altering their children;s bodies in this way

As someone who fought anorexia as a teen, I am familiar with the way peers influence teens. Ignoring the phenomenon of ROGD does a disservice to impressionable teens as well as teens who are truly gender non-conforming.

It's vital to our children that Dr Littman's work on ROGD (rapid onset gender dysphoria) be published and supported broadly. Much of science is considered controversial in the beginning. That shouldn't stop us. Sharing science that conflicts with someone's beliefs is not hate. There's a difference between hate and disagreement. We need more of this type of research, not less For our children, and for adults Thank you

I'm a parent of a young, gender-dysphoric adult and have gender-dysphoric students; we owe it to these people to base their treatment on the very best evidence and research. Seeking to shut down research and debate is a disgraceful betrayal by those who pretend to be concerned.

Science should not be cowed by political activism.