What kind of academic community can we build if racial inequities are left unchallenged?
Speaking directly to the importance of challenging and actively tackling racial inequities in Higher Education, this page provides valuable resources, insights, and tools that focus on improving racial equity and inclusivity within academic institutions and beyond. This page aims to support those committed to creating more equitable environments for students and staff, with an emphasis on challenging systemic racism, diversifying leadership, and enhancing representation. Whether you’re a student, educator, or policymaker, these resources will help guide your understanding and action toward meaningful change for People of Colour in Higher Education.
Aiming Higher: Race, Inequality and Diversity by Runnymede Trust: In 2015 Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading independent thinktank on race equality and race relations, produced a major report on higher education and race. The report highlighted the inequalities for Black and minority ethnic people in terms of admissions, degree attainment, curriculum content, and staffing in universities. Although this report was written some time ago, its findings and recommendations remain highly relevant to today’s societal challenges.
Building an anti-racist university – DMU one year after the murder of George Floyd – DMU Freedom to Achieve: De Montfort University (DMU), the first university to have been awarded Race Equality Charter (REC) Silver for their efforts of advancing race equality for staff and students, reflects on their journey of anti-racism and offers an insight into their successes of building an anti-racist university.
Dismantling Racism in Higher Education: A Guide for Students and Staff by Race Equality Foundation – a national charity tackling racial inequality: This practical guide offers actionable steps for students and staff to challenge and dismantle racism within academic settings. It covers strategies for creating supportive environments, including allyship, advocacy, anti-racism education, and fostering inclusive leadership. The resource is designed to help both individuals and institutions confront and address racial injustice.
Tackling racial harassment in higher education: progress since 2020 by UK Universities: This toolkit provides higher education institutions with specific strategies for addressing racism, including developing anti-racist policies, delivering training programs, and creating safe spaces for dialogue.
Tackling racism, exclusion and racial injustices at City: the lived experience of staff: As part of City St George’s commitment to race equity, we commissioned research to explore the lived experiences of our Staff of Colour. This important work provides insights into the barriers faced by staff and offers recommendations to drive meaningful change.
Addressing racial inequities in higher education is essential to creating a truly inclusive environment where all students and staff can thrive. Tackling racial disparities not only ensures equal opportunities but also promotes a diverse, supportive academic community. Achieving race equity is a foundational step toward broader institutional and societal equity. We encourage you to reflect on the above resources and begin to engage in the different ways you can create change and positively influence your workplace to address racial inequities for People of Colour.
What are you doing to take meaningful steps and actions to promote race equity?
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