In a development that many in the Davis transgender and LGBTQ+ communities are greeting with a mix of relief and bemusement, Beth Bourne, long known for her outspoken opposition to trans rights, has been laid off from her position at the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies. The news comes after years of controversy surrounding Bourne’s activism and public statements.
As first reported by The Sacramento Bee, the university informed Bourne on May 30 that her employment would end at the close of this month. Officially, UC Davis cites “changes in the distribution of federal research dollars” and “a decrease in contract and gift funding” as reasons for the layoff, emphasizing that Bourne’s right to free expression remains protected under the First Amendment.
Bourne has gained notoriety as a campus and community fixture, often protesting the participation of trans girls in girls’ sports and advocating for so-called “parents’ rights” in schools. She also leads the Yolo County chapter of Moms for Liberty and has consistently backed Donald Trump’s policies, particularly those targeting trans youth and gender-affirming education.
Despite the university’s insistence that the layoff was purely financial, Bourne has faced significant backlash for her activism. In June 2024, UC Davis criticized her for making offensive comments to drag performers on campus, though they ultimately upheld her speech rights. A petition calling for her removal from her position quickly amassed more than 7,500 signatures in under a year, a testament to how deeply her rhetoric has alienated many students and staff.
Bourne was placed on an eight-month leave last year while the university investigated 12 separate complaints about workplace misconduct, allegations that she has publicly acknowledged. After returning to work in February, she received her layoff notice within months. In emails she shared with the Bee, Bourne pressed UC Davis for clarity on how layoff decisions were made and whether seniority or job performance was considered. The university declined to offer details, citing confidentiality policies.
Reactions across social media have been telling. On a UC Davis-focused Reddit thread announcing her departure, dozens of commenters expressed joy at the news, with one post simply concluding, “Happy Pride Month!” Another user quipped, “Almost as if she voted for it!” a nod to Bourne’s fervent support for Republican efforts to cut funding to programs she herself relied on.
Bourne, however, has remained defiant. On her own social media account, she reiterated her backing for Trump and Republican leadership, saying, “I understand completely why the U.S. Department of Transportation doesn’t want to fund ‘woke’ research projects.” She also said she’s working with her attorneys to ensure the layoff was lawful.
For now, Bourne says she’s exploring future job options, either within UC Davis or elsewhere, potentially through the university’s Sustaining Talent in Lieu of Layoffs (STILL) program. But many in the trans and queer communities are viewing her exit from UC Davis as a small but meaningful sign of accountability for years of harmful rhetoric.
