Charter for an Anti-Racist University

A launch event will be held tomorrow at the Institute of Education to launch a Charter for an Anti-Racist University. The Charter's development is in response to the belief that the marketisation of higher education is causing disruption and uncertainty across the sector and in the process, some universities no longer prioritise race equality.

The National Union of Students Black Students Committee has found that 1 in 6 Black students have experienced racism in their current institution. Moreover, 1 in 3 do not trust their institution to properly handle complaints, and 1 in 3 feel their educational environment leaves them unable to bring their perspective as Black students to lectures and tutorial meetings.

Black and minority ethnic university staff are under-represented at senior levels in universities and now increasingly find that their jobs are under threat. Senior figures in UK universities have suggested that the cutting of courses examining racial inequality is a ‘marginal’ issue.

Yet universities are eager to recruit students from black and minority ethnic communities. We, the wider community, need to ask how universities are addressing racism on campus in all its forms. The Charter for an Anti-Racist University sets a minimum standard for the sector. Prospective students, their families and communities should include a consideration of these basic criteria when choosing a university.

The launch event is a free event open to anyone who wants to consider the challenge of racism in universities and possible strategies for change.

Speakers at the event include AbdoolKarim Vakil from the Muslim Council of Britain, Aaron Kiely, NUS Black Students Officer and the event will be chaired by Gargi Bhattacharyya from Aston University.

The event will take place at 3pm on 4th December 2012 at Room 790, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0A. 

Francine Fernandes