In March 2024, MT reported on a boycott of Martin Speake’s classes by students at Trinity Laban (TL) and from other London music conservatories. The boycott was in response to rumours of an internal email at TL in which the jazz saxophonist expressed a view that there was no systemic racial inequality in the UK jazz scene and that Critical Race Theory was divisive.
Responding to the speculation, TL shared the email (with Speake’s consent) within its jazz department. As discontent grew, Speake’s teaching was paused and the musician took extended sick leave, returning to teach at TL in September 2024 but resigning in November.
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