University College London has apologized to current and former students and staff for a “culture of unacceptable behavior” at its school of architecture dating back decades.
The apology comes after the university conducted an investigation into allegations of sexism and racism on campus, first reported by the Guardian last year.
“I want to apologize to all those who have suffered because of the culture of harassment, harassment and sexual misconduct at the Bartlett School of Architecture,” said Michael Spence, president and rector of UCL, in response. to the findings of the internal investigation.
The investigation, which began in October 2021, concluded in mid-April with detailed findings in a 119-page report from Howlett Brown, an intelligence company specializing in employee research and designated by the university as an impartial researcher.
In the report, Howlett Brown said she learned some “uncomfortable truths and various” open secrets “about the BSA,” citing power, protectionism, a “boys’ club” culture that allowed for a lack of responsibility, and the fear of talking about it. ”woven into the fabric of the BSA for a long period of time”.
The research included 49 individual interviews, focus groups, written communications, and a survey of more than 300 respondents.
A dossier shared with The Guardian in 2021 and cited in the final report included testimonies from 21 people who claimed there were “systemic” problems at the Bartlett. Witnesses, collected by a student who experienced sexism while studying at the institution in 2000, made inappropriate comments about appearance and race, and said that sometimes students were made to shed tears.
“Their testimonies expose an inexcusable and pernicious part of bullying and other unacceptable behaviors that are completely at odds with the values on which UCL was founded,” Spence said. “We have to address it, and we will do it absolutely, quickly and robustly.”
The report said the serious allegations “covering the last three decades” involved a number of staff who allegedly made sexist comments and verbally attacked students, as well as allegedly misogynistic, discriminatory and anti-Semitic behavior.
One of the participants said that a tutor told him that “you should be grateful for what your family has immigrated.” Another alumnus said that “the environment was very toxic, especially for women, working people and people of color.” One student who said she was raped by a classmate did not share it with staff members as she was not sure “there was a network”.
Other staff members were alleged to have touched students inappropriately, partying with students while using drugs, and going out with students during their time in school.
The report, which said problems began to appear in the early 1990s, also cited a “varying degree of complacency” among other staff members, described as complicit in their inaction, and aggravated by a lack of oversight. responsibility or action.
The report urged the university to further investigate complaints about BSA staff, recommended a change in the structure of hiring tutors, staff training and the provision of advice and long-term support options. .
Citing an “inherent power imbalance,” the report said the university’s personal relations policy, which generally prohibits relationships with children under the age of 18, does not protect students from sexual harassment and misconduct.
Christoph Lindner, dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, which hosts the Bartlett School, said: “This report contains shocking testimonies and highlights a number of unforgivable incidents.”
Following the publication of the report, a number of staff from the School of Architecture were fired from their “immediate effect” student and administrative duties, according to the university, while further research was being carried out.
Lindner said: “It is time for us to have some difficult conversations about how to disrupt existing privilege and power structures, making room and opportunities for those who have been marginalized before.”