LAMDA Students Asked to Report Microagressions with Their Phones

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Complaints can be made anonymously using scanning codes

LAMDA is based on the Talgarth Road. Picture: Surplus London Photos

Students at Britain’s oldest drama school have been told to report teachers’ microaggressions by scanning codes in classrooms.

The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) put QR codes around the school so students can anonymously report forms of discrimination.

After speaking with trainee actors, directors and technicians, the school on Talgarth Road in West Kensington put up signs that students can scan with their phones to submit formal complaints, according to the Telegraph.

Students can anonymously submit their complaints to the drama school and explain if they have experienced or witnessed a microaggression. The form also asks students what they would like to see done in response to the issue.

Microaggressions are acts of subtle or unintentional discrimination which make assumptions about marginalised groups.

They include comments such as asking someone “where are you from?” if they are from a minority ethnic background or using the wrong gender pronouns for someone who is transgender or non-binary.

LAMDA, whose president is Sherlock and Marvel actor Benedict Cumberbatch, hopes that by reporting the incidents it will be able to see if any patterns are emerging that need to be looked into.

The school’s QR codes were first introduced as a trial to test anonymous reporting. A new reporting system is set to be brought in at the start of the next academic year but the school has not confirmed if the QR codes will be used.

A spokesman for the school told the Telegraph, “We have a number of ways for our students to give feedback and report any concerns they have. We have previously trialled QR codes to facilitate this.

“Following a review, we will be introducing an updated approach in the autumn term.”

LAMDA is the oldest specialist drama school in Britain and boasts a wide range of acting alumni including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jim Broadbent, Donald Sutherland, Maureen Lipman and Ruth Wilson.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted LAMDA for further comment.

 

Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter

August 22, 2022