Earlier today on-campus signage at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) was shared on social media.
Our intention, following discussions with our student community, had been to communicate the definition of TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) to help clarify what we considered to be growing misconceptions around what the term means.
We got it wrong.
The signage is clunky and we can see how it can be misinterpreted as an ICMP view and/or policy.
The signage has now been removed and we apologise profusely for any offence caused.
We’d like to make it clear that our zero-tolerance policy refers to our approach to discrimination of any kind. As such, we have a confidential reporting process in place that gives students and staff a direct line of contact with senior trained ICMP staff if they feel they are in any way being victimised, discriminated against, or being made to feel otherwise uncomfortable.
We recognise that this is a complex and important subject and like most other organisations we’re constantly learning. We work closely with our community and welcome debate in order to make sure we’re providing the best environment we can.
It is our absolute aim to make all of our students, staff and the wider community feel welcome and included at ICMP.
With thanks,
Paul Kirkham, CEO