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(2) It beggars belief that some delegates are opposed to reaffirming our commitment to academic freedom and condemning blacklisting and abuse. The motion should have been uncontroversial, and is an affirmation of existing @UCU policy (marked ‘EP’). 
(3) @Hollysmithhere spoke bravely and cogently, explaining the harassment that academics continue to face. This clearly came as news to many delegates. theguardian.com/education/2018…
(4) Delegates speaking against the motion disingenuously sought to deny that harassment is taking place, claiming that our motion sought to protect academics from valid criticism.
(5) We faced concerted hostile tweeting from one branch, and a delegate was reprimanded twice by the chair for inappropriate tweets.
(6) Opponents also insinuated that there was more to our motion that met the eye, with bigoted intent written between the lines in invisible ink.
(7) The motion was voted down 72: 80 with 27 abstentions. It can be difficult for colleagues coming to an issue cold at congress, without time to reflect. We are happy to have opened up the debate.
(8) We thank those colleagues who told us afterwards that they had either abstained or voted against, but that they would now read and think more about the issue.
(9) We also spoke to two women who told us they were too scared to vote for the motion. I'm sure they weren't the only ones. To such colleagues, we say: take courage. You now know that you are not alone.
(10) Motion HE32 was passed by the largest UCU branch in the country @UCL_UCU . A similar motion was passed by Edinburgh branch. We hope more branches will now feel able to discuss the issues.
(11) We will continue to fight for anti-authoritarian and feminist voices in our union to be heard. If you care about this, join your union. Get involved in your branch. Attend congress. Be the change you want to see.
