Cambridge University‘s oldest women-only college risks breaching equality laws by having zero single-sex toilets available for its students, campaigners have warned.
Founded in 1871, prestigious Newnham College holds an estimated 700 students and is described as a ‘lively and sociable women’s college run by women, for women.’
At present, toilet facilities at the female college are all ‘non-gendered’, meaning that they can be used by both men and women.
But several campaigners have raised concerns that the college’s unisex lavatories could be discriminatory, following the landmark Supreme Court gender ruling in April.
The historic judgement saw five Supreme Court justices unanimously find that the definition of a woman in the 2010 Equality Act is based on biological sex, not acquired gender.
Brought to the UK’s highest court by campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), the case decided that a gender recognition certificate (GRC) does not change a trans person’s legal sex. A trans person with a (GRC) can also be excluded from single-sex spaces if ‘proportionate’.
Following the historic ruling, the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) released interim guidance stating that ‘toilets, showers and changing facilities may be mixed-sex where they are in a separate room lockable from the inside.’
However Newnham College, which has approximately 700 students, has either bathroom cubicles held in rooms available for both men and women or a fully-enclosed room that can be locked, The Telegraph has reported.
Cambridge University’s oldest women-only college could breach equality laws by having zero single-sex toilets available for its students, campaigners have warned. At present, toilet facilities at Newnham College (pictured) are all ‘non-gendered’
Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at charity Sex Matters, described the college’s current toilet policy as ‘shameful’.
She added: ‘Newnham College is sending a mixed message by protecting research scholarships for women based on biological sex, but at the same time forcing female students and staff to share toilets, showers and changing facilities with men in so-called ‘unisex’ facilities.
‘Female students could also take legal action against the college by arguing that by providing no single-sex facilities, the college is, in effect, discriminating against women.’
Susan Smith, speaking on behalf of FWS, agreed with Ms Joyce’s position that there was a discriminatory risk for both staff and students.
She added that the college appeared to have become ‘a little bit confused as to who qualifies as a woman.’
It comes after Newnham College announced in August that transgender female applicants would be barred from applying for a research fellowship, offering funding for ‘outstanding early-career researchers’.
Candidates must be ‘assigned female at birth’, while those who successfully make it through the application stage are also required to provide identification documents to prove their gender, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The Feminist Gender Equality Network (FGEB) condemned the decision as a ‘segregationist policy’ that is ‘obliterating its long-held and previously well-deserved reputation for inclusiveness, diversity and fairness.’
Campaigners have raised concerns that the college’s unisex lavatories could be discriminatory, following the Supreme Court gender ruling in April which found that the definition of a woman in the 2010 Equality Act is based on biological sex, not acquired gender
In a statement, they called on the college to remove the trans-exclusionary clause and apologise, adding that it ‘reflects a baleful unwillingness to stand up for the rights of all women during a period of intensifying misogynist hostility and violence.’
Last month, it was revealed by women at University College London, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being ‘vilified’ by colleagues, that the institution has continued to allow trans women to use female facilities.
The whistleblowers at UCL – home to 31,000 women in 2024/2025 – say the university has failed to adopt the judgment by claiming to be waiting for further clarity on its practical implications.
One said: ‘Bear in mind how many female students we have and will have from religious and cultural backgrounds.
‘Their parents have no idea that their daughters could be forced to share toilets and changing rooms with men.’
Another added: ‘It undermines women’s dignity and privacy.’
The university’s guidance states: ‘On campus, trans students can use “men only” or “women only” changing rooms or toilets according to which one they feel most comfortable in, or that they feel is most appropriate for them.’
A UCL spokesperson said: ‘We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where staff and students can engage in open discussion in a climate of mutual respect and tolerance.
‘We recognise that issues around sex and gender identity are deeply personal and often complex.
‘Following the recent Supreme Court ruling, we are reviewing our policies carefully and awaiting updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
‘A facilities audit is also underway to ensure our estate meets the needs of our community, and any guidance that may need to change is clearly marked “under review”.’
A spokesman for Newnham College told The Telegraph: ‘Newnham is proud to be a women’s college and a pioneer in women’s education.
‘We have an inclusive culture, and our members include those who identify as LGBTQ+. The College has a range of facilities on site, including en-suite and fully enclosed, individual toilets with lockable doors.
‘We acknowledge the Supreme Court ruling and like other public bodies continue to monitor any changes in legal requirements.’
Newnham College was approached for comment.
