College takes action to address race study findings
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51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ is taking a range of actions to address “simply unacceptable” racial injustice highlighted by a new study into the experiences of Black and minority ethnic students at College.
Mandatory racial awareness training for all staff, the creation of a racial justice strategy for the institution and a review of how the College handles complaints of racism are among the steps being put into place to respond to issues raised by Insider-Outsider: The Role of Race in Shaping the Experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic Students.
The candid report examines the experiences of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ students who identify as BME in relation to the College and 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ Students’ Union.
The research highlights a number of challenges for both organisations and makes 18 recommendations for College to address these matters, with 13 recommendations for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ Students’ Union.
In relation to the College, a survey informing the report found:
- 26% of study participants reported experiencing racism from students and staff members, including the use of racist language in learning sessions and in social situations
- 43% reported experienced racialized microagressions
- 28% of students believed their course content is representative of BME experiences
- 37% of students felt excluded from participating in university life due to racial discrimination
In relation to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ Students’ Union, the report found:
- 51% believe the Union prioritises the needs, concerns and issues of BME students
- 54% believe the Union prioritises race equality
- 69% see the Union as being representative in their events
- There is a reliance on BME students to facilitate ethnic representation
The report was authored by HE race equality specialist Sofia Akel, with responses collected from students who identify as BME from a survey of 195 students, three semi-structured focus groups with 10 students and a further six semi-structured individual interviews. This constitutes around 5% of the 4,500 students at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ who identify as BME.
Professor Elisabeth Hill, Deputy Warden and Pro-Warden Learning, Teaching and Enhancement responded to the report on behalf of the College.
Professor Hill said: “We recognise the importance of this work and welcome the candid insight it gives us into the experiences of Black and minority ethnic students at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ.
“These findings are simply unacceptable and paint a clear picture which cannot be ignored.
“This report demands a response from everyone at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ and illustrates the amount of work we must all undertake to address these vital matters.â€
The College has this year taken a number of steps to address racial injustice at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ. This includes appointing Dr Nicola Rollock to lead a project investigating the degree attainment gap at College, which will include an audit of how issues of race are understood and enacted across 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ.
College is also committed to meeting a number of recommendations made by the Insider-Outsider report through a range of initiatives. These include:
- Establishing a Racial Justice Action Group to oversee racial justice work
- Mandatory race-awareness training for staff, with pilot sessions for key groups
- A Race Equality Audit of the College and the creation of a racial justice strategy for the institution
- A task force reviewing how we handle complaints of racist and other discriminatory behaviour
The report comes after a 137-day occupation over racial injustice at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ organised by campaign group 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ Anti-Racist Action. A number of commitments made by College to this group correspond with recommendations made by the Insider-Outsider report.
See an update on the commitments the College has made to GARA.