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Race Equality
The School of Education and Social Work recognises the importance of strengthening equality and inclusion and of promoting dignity, respect and a sense of belonging for people of all ethnicities, cultures and races. Our aim is to create safe spaces and provide opportunities to reflect on and discuss race and inequality, anti-racism, antisemitism, and the decolonisation of higher education collectively and collaboratively.
This page highlights some of our ongoing work to improve racial equality and to support ESW staff and students who have a wide range of heritages and are who are racially minoritised. We also seek to cultivate an inclusive culture that is conducive to openly discussing race-related issues and challenging racism.
If you haven't seen it already, pop by Essex House reception to see our Black History Month 2023 showcase promoting Black Britons who have shaped the country thorugh history and, at the end of October, a celebration of our own Black and Asian staff and researchers.
- Terminology
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The language used to talk about race equality is continually evolving. For example, the term BAME - which stands for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic - is often used in higher education institutions but is highly contested.
For some, BAME is considered as a homogenising term which does not appreciate the varied historical and lived experiences of those who have a wide range of heritages and are racially minoritised. Others find it helpful in specific contexts. .
In recognition of the issue, we take a flexible approach to the term's use in ESW. Official data reporting processes, such as that set up by the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) and wider University projects, require the term BAME. Therefore, it will still be present in some of our communications and practices.
ESW colleagues are, however, encouraged to avoid using the term BAME as a ‘catch all’, replacing it with ‘racially minoritised groups’ as a more appropriate descriptor which highlights the reasons we are making claims about a group of people. However, best practice is to be specific where issues pertain to Black, Asian, or other ethnic groups, rather than using generalised labels. Where possible, the disaggregation of data should be aimed for.
- Racialised Academics / Minoritised Ethnicities Network
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This network is for ESW staff and doctoral researchers defining themselves as of Racialised and Minoritised ethnicities. It is a group to share experiences and to take actions. The Co-Chairs of the group, and , meet termly with the EDI Directors and the Head of School to feedback and shape ESW policy and practice.
Contact Fezile and Tam to find out more.
- Race Equality Action Plan
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The School of Education and Social Work is serious about the need for ongoing work from all members of the school community to address racism and race equality in higher education.
As a School, we have committed to the ESW Race Equality Action Plan [PDF 83.67KB] which contains our vision for change alongside a series of ongoing actions that we will update in order to be responsive to ideas emerging with and from our school community. This is intended to be a working document and staff are encouraged to contact Co-Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, , with any comments, questions, suggested amendments or any other matter related to it that they wish to discuss.
- Antisemitism
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Anti-racism activity in ESW can include Jewish people as one of our ethnic minority communities and the school uses the Equalities Act 2010 as a point of reference.
As a school, we recognise that racialisation can occur due to colour, nationality (including citizenship) and can happen to all minoritised ethnic groups. This can include Jewish people, irrespective of their colour or nationality, as they belong to an ethnoreligious group. While there may be important commonalities for groups experiencing oppression and hatred, there are also distinctive forms, histories and societal and political driving factors that shape specific discriminations and experiences of racism.
We have ongoing work to do in ESW to support work in this area, and further training and activity will follow. The University has a Jewish Chaplain who can offer guidance as well as an ethnic minority network for staff.
- ESW Anti-Racism Resources
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The ESW Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee have created as a living document for staff and students to add resources and reading recommendations to refer to as a support to aid developing anti-racism in teaching and learning. Please add to it with resources and ideas of your own and let us know if and how it has been useful for you.
Racial Microaggressions
Rebbecca Hemmings from provided this helpful Antiracism reading list as part of her presentation and Q&A at a whole-school meeting on 18 November 2021 for the School of Education and Social Work.
- University-level Support and Resources
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BAME Staff Network
The University's BAME Staff Network is for all staff who define themselves as belonging to a minority ethnic group. If you would like to join the network to receive notification of meetings and events you can find out more by emailing BAME-Staff@sussex.ac.uk.
BAME Student Support
The Student Life Centre have created a resource page to support BAME students. They also offer 'Race and culture support sessions' for students wanting to share thoughts and concerns - whether in relation to their experiences as a BME student, or any other matter. See their&nbs