College Apologizes for Dismissing Student Due to ‘Gender Critical’ Beliefs
James Esses was removed from his course at London’s Metanoia Institute for his belief that children should not be affirmed and allowed to ’transition.’
A trainee psychotherapist who was expelled from his Master’s course in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Metanoia Institute in London in 2021 after expressing “gender critical” beliefs has now received an apology from the institute.
James Esses, a former barrister and civil servant, was expelled for campaigning for better safeguarding of children experiencing gender confusion.
Metanoia Institute admitted unlawfully preventing Esses from pursuing a career in psychotherapy and apologized for their actions.
‘Vindicated’
Esses stated, “Finally, after losing the career I loved and enduring years of abuse, I feel vindicated.
“This, combined with the resolution of my litigation against the UK Council for Psychotherapy, brings me closure.”
Esses became concerned about gender ideology and safeguarding issues while working at Esther Rantzen’s charity, Childline, where he discovered Stonewall’s involvement in its training materials.
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In April 2021, Esses started an online petition regarding concerns about the government’s proposed ban on conversion therapy, fearing it would criminalize medical professionals who do not simply “affirm” a child’s chosen gender identity.
‘Discrimination was Unlawful’
The institute’s statement stated, “Metanoia recognizes that gender-critical beliefs are protected under the Equality Act 2010, and that discrimination against students holding these beliefs is unlawful.”
The statement also acknowledged the evolving landscape of gender dysphoria and the importance of child safeguarding.
“We accept that Mr. Esses’ advocacy was motivated by a desire to protect children and we recognize the freedom of speech within educational institutions,” the institute added.
The statement further admitted that Esses was expelled without due process and apologized for the online abuse he received as a result.
Esses had excelled in his assessments and placements and had the support to begin private practice before his expulsion.
Esses, who crowdfunded over £136,000 for legal fees, has since co-founded a website, Thoughtful Therapists, and works as a social commentator and journalist focusing on gender ideology.
He expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters and hopes his case will prevent similar mistreatment of students in the future.
“I will continue advocating for children’s wellbeing and biological reality, regardless of where my career leads,” Esses concluded.
His case is part of a series of recent instances where institutions have discriminated against individuals with sex realist views.
