Why a university has told lecturers not to use capital letters

Lecturers have been told not to use capital letters when assigning work to students as it might create anxiety.

Staff at Leeds Trinity’s journalism department have been told writing to students using capital letters for emphasis could “scare them into failure” and instead suggested using a “friendly tone” and avoiding the use of negative language, The Express reports.

Critics have since slammed the memo, saying it is just aiding to the “snowflake” generation being overindulged throughout their education.

“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 memo says, according to The Express.

The memo says writing words in capital letters could make the assignment appear “more difficult” – adding to anxieties, The Express reported.

But one staff member said capitals helped ensure students didn’t misunderstand their instructions.

“We are not doing our students any favours with this kind of nonsense,” the staff member told The Express.

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.