International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Monday 21 March marks The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day was established by the United Nations in 1966 to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. It is observed every March 21st to bring the world community together to increase its efforts in the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and racism worldwide.

This year’s theme is ‘VOICES FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM’. This edition aims to highlight the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination; reaffirming the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space; and recognising the contribution of individuals and organisations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face.

The University of Huddersfield is committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and providing an inclusive learning and working environment in a culture of mutual respect and dignity, for all our staff and students. Part of this commitment means we are taking action on racial discrimination and through our EDI Framework,  we are ensuring that our education, teaching and learning, research and workplace culture and practices, are inclusive of all our staff and students.

 

Get Involved and #FightRacism

Building on the success of the events held during Race Equality Week in February this year and the event held during Inclusion week - Dealing with racism: My Story with Derek Redmond, the University is holding the following workshop to discuss institutional racism in Higher Education:

 

‘Re:Tension’: Film screening and workshop to discuss institutional racism in UK Higher Education

19 May 2022 (12.15–2.45pm)

Re:Tension attempts to provide a real insight into unconscious racial harassment within the Higher Education system and the micro-aggressions that often go unnoticed.

Please join us to watch this powerful, emotive film and engage in discussions where you can share your thoughts about how to tackle racism in UK universities with a focus on what we can do here at the University of Huddersfield.

Oganised by Olivia Briddon, University Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, and Dr Berenice Golding, Senior Lecturer and School (HHS) Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in conjunction with Leeds Trinity University. Re:Tension is a short 20 minute film that follows the character Thapelo, a bright and capable university student, on a day where he is unwittingly forced to question the judgements of his tutors and peers, and delve deeper into his own actions, choices and beliefs.

Re:Tension addresses the topic of institutional racism and the gap in student retention amongst BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) students within British universities. The film was inspired by analysing statistical data that highlighted the unexplained dropout rate of BAME students.

 

The workshop

On the day we will screen this powerful film (20 mins) which will serve as the opener for a frank, post-screening discussion. After the screening the audience will have an opportunity to participate in a practical workshop that will be moderated by:

• Ricardo Baker, film maker, Senior Lecturer in Film Production at Leeds Trinity University.
• Syra Shakir, Senior Teaching Fellow at Leeds Trinity University and Co-Chair of the Leeds Trinity BAME network.

 

This workshop is designed to create a safe space for anyone to discuss, debate and engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers, whether they be a staff member or a student.

The audience will be split into groups with opportunities to discuss the film, how it made them feel and feedback to the group. Attendees will be encouraged to share personal experiences and reflect on racial inequality in their institution. It is anticipated that the University will come away with actions that can be implemented.

The trainers will be Ricardo Baker, film director, is a filmmaker & music composer residing in the north of England and Syra Shakir is a Senior Teaching Fellow and has worked as a senior academic at Leeds Trinity University since 2008.

Book your place on this workshop

 

Investing in Ethnicity Star Employer 2021

The University was recently awarded level two of the Maturity Matrix and accredited as a ‘Star Employer’ in the Ethnicity Maturity Matrix.

The matrix is backed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Governance and Inclusive Leadership. Its aim is to realise a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.  The matrix provides us with a framework and strategy based on levels of Maturity, assessments are based on leadership and commitment, policy and data, culture and inclusion, network groups, employee life cycle and external impact.  This enables us to work towards positive improvements and narrowing inequalities surrounding race at the University.

 

Share, Support and Shape our Culture

Share and Support is the University of Huddersfield's dedicated online reporting tool. The service provides students, staff and visitors to campus the opportunity to report incidents of hate crimes, bullying, harassment, sexual violence and further anti-social behaviour, in a safe, specialist and supportive environment. The reporting tool also encourages people to report incidents they have witnessed.

You can report an incident you have experienced or witnessed by submitting a report through the tool.  We encourage you to report all incidents, no matter how small they may seem.

The Share and Support website offers a range of recommended support services both on campus and in the community. If you provide your details and indicate you would like to speak to a Wellbeing Adviser, a member of our friendly Wellbeing Team will be in touch. You can also book an appointment directly with the Wellbeing Team if you'd prefer. The Wellbeing Service also offers an abundance of 24/7 support which may be useful, and a comprehensive support directory.