By Terrence Manyeh
We don’t want a video, a press release or any meaningless acts of tokenism, we’re sick of talking rhetoric.
We want meaningful action and for the University and the Vice chancellor to show that they are committed to ending racial inequality.
The University of Brighton will not commit to the race equality charter it was announced today.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris made decision with a distinct lack of transparency, consultation and representation from the very marginalised groups that such a move will affect.
The Race for Equality charter mark is a scheme designed to tackle the issues that prohibit BME students from achieving in education and staff from progressing. The charter looks to address issues such as lack of representation.
Consultation only took place after the decision was made; and not only is this against the claims and promises of the new Vice Chancellor to ‘consult’ and bring transparency to her role and decision making, but it is also a massive step backwards in the incredibly important issue of addressing racial inequality, which should be a top priority.
The decision making process is also symptomatic of the issues that the charter seeks to address, the lack of representation and diversity within all areas of the University, especially in management and decision making positions.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris made decision with a distinct lack of transparency, consultation and representation from the very marginalised groups that such a move will affect.
The Race for Equality charter mark is a scheme designed to tackle the issues that prohibit BME students from achieving in education and staff from progressing. The charter looks to address issues such as lack of representation.
Consultation only took place after the decision was made; and not only is this against the claims and promises of the new Vice Chancellor to ‘consult’ and bring transparency to her role and decision making, but it is also a massive step backwards in the incredibly important issue of addressing racial inequality, which should be a top priority.
The decision making process is also symptomatic of the issues that the charter seeks to address, the lack of representation and diversity within all areas of the University, especially in management and decision making positions.