A leading London university has apologized for a “culture of bullying” at its architecture school, following an investigation into allegations of sexism and racism at the institution.
The report concluded that the Bartlett School of Architecture (BSA), based at University College London (UCL), had a “boys’ club” culture.
It turned out that this led to a lack of accountability for bad behavior.
UCL’s Prof Anthony Smith said the university was already taking action.
The vice provost for faculties added: “Upon receipt of the report, we have relieved a number of staff at the Bartlett School of Architecture of student and administrative duties effective immediately while we conduct further investigations.
“We cannot release the names of these individuals as it could compromise this investigation.”
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The 119-page report by intelligence firm Howlett Brown found that there was a culture of “power, protectionism and cliques” in the department.
This has created a “toxic” and sometimes “unsafe” learning environment that has left some people “deeply traumatized” by their experiences at the school, the report said.
Allegations against a head tutor included bullying, making sexist and racist remarks directed at Chinese students and throwing materials on or near students.
Other tutors are said to have invited students to parties with cocaine and dated students while they were at the school.
According to the report, some staff members were accused of tearing up students’ work, physically pushing them and verbally taunting them.
The survey results showed that 27% of students at BSA had experienced discrimination, while 39% of current and former students who took part said someone they knew had experienced bullying and harassment.
The students were found to be under considerable pressure from some of the staff, with one being told, “That’s what we’re doing, we’re going to break you down and build you into a Bartlett army.”
UCL President and Provost Dr. Michael Spence apologized for the culture of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.
He added that the students’ testimonies “reveal an inexcusable and damaging underbelly of bullying and other unacceptable behavior that is totally at odds with the values on which UCL was founded”.
“We absolutely must and will tackle this quickly and decisively,” he said.
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