Freethought is a philosophical position that holds that ideas and opinions should be based on science and reason, and not restricted by authority, tradition, or religion.
And because of their free thoughts, unorthodox and thus controversial, philosophers often put themselves in a vulnerable position. Their free thoughts are often hijacked, distorted and exploited by political extremists/ideologues for their agendas.
Judith Butler's notion of gender performativity/the social construction of gender is a good example; it has been exploited and weaponised by trans/gender neutral activists. And now Kathleen Stock's case. But she is fighting back. The attempt to silence her has backfired on trans activists as more and more people are supporting her.
Freedom of expression, especially academic freedom, must be protected against totalitarianism.
Be a liberal, be a 'right-minded' liberal.

Kathleen Stock: I won’t be silenced
The trans activist campaign against her has backfired
[unherd.com]

About Kathleen Stock
[en.wikipedia.org]

Kathleen Stock: Colleagues poisoned students against me in transgender debate
Former Sussex University professor believes her views were 'radically' misrepresented in vindictive campaign to ‘trash’ her reputation
[telegraph.co.uk]