The common understanding of the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum is facing an intense test. This comes after reports of a breach of security against a party of Bristol school children. On June 11, a Year 10 class from City Academy got to experience the usually tourist-packed London museum without all the hubbub. They made this central to their artistic study. Unfortunately, as we’ve reported here, it seems students were met with instances of racial profiling on their visit.
It’s no wonder that the incident has received so much coverage and admiration. As a response, over 300 people have signed a petition encouraging a boycott of the museum. The petition claims that museum employees were tracking and unduly searching the students. This is terrifying, especially because it seems to be an accepted practice when dealing with young visitors of color. This allegation has brought considerable public outcry over the V&A’s handling of such claims.
In response to the allegations, the V&A Museum has launched an independent inquiry into the incident. In response, a spokesperson for Bristol City said there had been continuous discussions with Bristol City Academy and reiterated their drive to rectify the issues highlighted.
“We are in close and constructive dialogue with Bristol City Academy about a potential security incident that occurred during their school visit.” – V&A spokesperson
The museum has given three different justifications for what happened that day. Despite these responses, public concern has not been assuaged—the majority of respondents still feel as though the museum has failed to address the incident.
“We work hard to ensure the V&A is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone so do take feedback of this nature seriously.” – V&A spokesperson
City Academy’s spokesperson subsequently released statements confirming that the foray was supposed to be an educational adventure for its Year 10 students. Nevertheless, the incidents that have been reported have certainly overshadowed what should have been a wonderful opportunity to learn.
Though the racial profiling allegations themselves are of profound concern, they have sparked wider conversations about inclusivity and police security practices at public institutions. As the V&A Museum prepares to take stock of the incident, stakeholders are closely watching how it responds to these very severe allegations.
