Overview

Is My University Racist? An event with a provocative title to begin the conversation around racial inclusion at the University of Roehampton. The event aims to start a conversation about race inclusion amongst students at the University of Roehampton and enable us (the Students’ Union) to gather information and feedback; in order to create a plan of action to actively tackle the issues of racial inclusion on campus.

We are fortunate to be welcoming Dr Jason Arday (Senior Teaching Fellow at University of Warwick) who will be giving an insight into his work and research into Dismantling Race in Higher Education and Lola Olufemi (English Literature graduate from Cambridge University and During her time at Cambridge University, she co-wrote a letter titled Decolonise English Faculty that summarised ideas and was signed by 100 students) who will be giving us an insight into her experience at the University of Cambridge and the struggle to Decolonise Cambridge.

The keynote addresses by Dr Jason Arday and Lola Olufemi will be followed by an open round table discussion; where we open the conversation up to the floor and explore the notion of racial inclusion in Roehampton. Chuchu Nwagu (out-going Students’ Union President) will be hosting the event; and will be helping to shape/facilitate the conversation with the assistance of RSU student leaders.

Conversations about race and how we personally feel about our race and cultural identity are often difficult, negative and taboo - Often associated with blame and victimisation, intolerance race often turns into the big elephant in the room.

This event aims to enable a constructive conversation, let’s explore the depths of the issue – let’s talk!

The event is open to all Roehampton students and staff; so please come with yourselves and open minds; as we tackle ‘Is My University Racist?’