LSE warns over ‘threatening’ emails sent to administrators

Staff at a Russell Group university had to be told to stop sending “borderline threatening” emails to professional services staff during the coronavirus lockdown.

An email sent to all staff at the London School of Economics by chief operating officer Andrew Young, seen by Times Higher Education, says that he had “seen several emails…from colleagues directed at professional services staff – in some cases, members of our community in the early stages of their career – that are unacceptable in tone, seem intended to undermine, and are borderline threatening”.

“Whilst this might not be the intention of the writer, it is important to call out this behaviour and to start a conversation about why it is happening, because of the effect on individuals receiving such messages,” Dr Young writes.

“We are of course all under a great deal of strain working in new scenarios right now. We’re navigating new technologies and engaging in even more email and digital interaction than usual, all whilst juggling work-life balance and personal responsibilities.

“It’s tough, I very much appreciate that. We don’t always get things right, but this never justifies messages like those my colleagues have received recently. Like all of us, they too are trying their best in difficult circumstances.”

The email, sent during the height of lockdown, says that dissatisfied staff should speak to a member of management, and that anyone receiving such messages should seek support.

Dr Young adds that the road to recovering from the impact of coronavirus would be “a marathon, not a sprint” and that “if we can continue to work in the spirit of collaboration with mutual respect, professionalism and compassion, we will get there so much more quickly”.

The email emerged as one former member of the professional services staff at LSE told THE that they had faced bullying and harassment by a senior staff member for many months, eventually leading them to quit.

The staff member said that they had experienced “sustained episodes of shouting” and “public humiliation including ridicule and insults”, and had felt unsupported and further victimised when they reported the incidents to human resources.

Eventually, the staff member felt that they had no other option but to resign.

“The reputation of the Russell Group universities seems to make senior staff feel immune and superior. My bully thought she could do whatever she pleased, and that’s what she did. That’s what she was permitted to do,” the staff member said.

An LSE spokeswoman said: “LSE is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion for all members of our community and we have clear codes of conduct, as outlined in our ethics code, which we expect all staff, students and governors to uphold.”

anna.mckie@timeshighereducation.com