Lecturers BANNED from using capital letters to avoid upsetting students
Lecturers have been banned from using capital letters when assigning work to students because it might upset them.
Staff at Leeds Trinity’s journalism department have been told writing to students using capital letters could ‘scare them into failure’ and instead suggested using a ‘friendly tone’ and avoiding the use of negative language.
Critics have since slammed the memo, saying it is just aiding to the ‘snowflake’ generation being overindulged throughout their education – following incidents in Manchester and Kent.
The memo said: ‘Despite our best attempts to explain assessment tasks, any lack of clarity can generate anxiety and even discourage students from attempting the assessment at all.’
The Express reports that it goes on to say writing words in capital letters could make the assignment appear ‘more difficult’ – adding to anxieties.
But one staff member said capitals helped ensure students didn’t misunderstand their instructions.
They added: ‘We are not doing our students any favours with this kind of nonsense.’
A spokesperson for Leeds Trinity said the memo was guidance on how to explain tasks to students so they achieve their full potential.
The move is the latest in a string of incidents which have seen universities criticised for pandering to students.
The University of Manchester’s students’ union replaced applause with ‘jazz hands’ at one event to alleviate stress among the anxious and people with sensory issues.
Kent University last month was criticised for banning students wearing ‘offensive’ costumes, including cowboy outfits or sombreros, in case it affected students’ right to a ‘safe space’ at the institution.
