Call for University of Southampton to Take Greater Action on Tackling Racism and Diversity
Call for University of Southampton to Take Greater Action on Tackling Racism and Diversity
The Issue
This petition is intended to promote constructive dialogue and encourage positive change within the University of Southampton. It reflects concerns shared by students regarding racism and diversity, and seeks transparency, accountability, and meaningful action. The goal is to support an inclusive and equitable environment for all students and staff.
The University of Southampton is not innocent when it comes to issues of racism and diversity within its institution. It is not enough for the university to make a post on Twitter or on its website simply stating that it is against racism and racial inequality. The university must be transparent with its students and demonstrate that it is taking active steps to prevent racism within the institution. There needs to be further investigation into unconscious bias across all facilities at the university, including the support and well-being services that are intended to support Black students and students of colour.
Mayflower FC Incident
Following an incident last year in which students who were members of Mayflower FC were recorded chanting a racial slur (“there was one naked n***** on the bus”) while on a bus, the university conducted an investigation. The university concluded the investigation with the statement: “The investigation has concluded that the racist word was not used, and the students were actually singing the nickname of one of the team members.”
However, many students, including the authors of this petition, believe that a racist word was used. There is a widespread perception that the university’s response did not adequately acknowledge the seriousness of the incident. As these students were representing the university, it is important that any misconduct is addressed transparently and that appropriate consequences are applied. Failure to do so risks conveying that racist language or behaviour by representatives of the university is tolerated.
Race Equality Charter
The university briefly mentioned, in a comment below a tweet supporting #BLM, a link to an article stating that it has signed the Race Equality Charter and applied for a Bronze Award as part of this process. It is worth noting that the university signed this charter in 2018. Rather than referencing this commitment only briefly on social media, as a student of the university, I would welcome clearer communication outlining the exact plans for how the university aims to achieve this as well as how they are planning to consider the voices of Black students and students of colour as part of this improvement.
As a university, it is important that, in addressing racism within the institution, unconscious bias is also addressed. This does not only apply to exam marking and the hiring of new employees; it should also extend to educating staff on how to avoid unconscious bias when teaching students. More information on unconscious bias and its impact can be found at NeuroLeadership Institute.
The university also needs to address the extent to which many of its courses are Eurocentric. Many students, including myself, feel that their courses focus primarily on Europe and America, with other regions mentioned only briefly. Given the global nature of higher education, students should have opportunities to engage more fully with a wider range of perspectives. Decolonising the curriculum is therefore an important part of creating meaningful change. More information about the university’s diversity efforts and charter commitments can be found on the Southampton Shine Charter page.
Source: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/diversity/news/2018/03/8-race-equality-charter.page
Zero Tolerance
As a result of what many students perceive as an insufficient institutional response to reported incidents of racism affecting Black students and students of colour, some cases of racism may go unreported. The university should have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards students and staff who commit racist acts. If the university wishes to demonstrate support for Black Lives Matter, this should be reflected not only in public statements but also in consistent, transparent, and practical measures to reduce racism and promote diversity within the institution.
This petition was written by Mehret Ashenafi, in collaboration with Jasmin Phipps.
The Issue
This petition is intended to promote constructive dialogue and encourage positive change within the University of Southampton. It reflects concerns shared by students regarding racism and diversity, and seeks transparency, accountability, and meaningful action. The goal is to support an inclusive and equitable environment for all students and staff.
The University of Southampton is not innocent when it comes to issues of racism and diversity within its institution. It is not enough for the university to make a post on Twitter or on its website simply stating that it is against racism and racial inequality. The university must be transparent with its students and demonstrate that it is taking active steps to prevent racism within the institution. There needs to be further investigation into unconscious bias across all facilities at the university, including the support and well-being services that are intended to support Black students and students of colour.
Mayflower FC Incident
Following an incident last year in which students who were members of Mayflower FC were recorded chanting a racial slur (“there was one naked n***** on the bus”) while on a bus, the university conducted an investigation. The university concluded the investigation with the statement: “The investigation has concluded that the racist word was not used, and the students were actually singing the nickname of one of the team members.”
However, many students, including the authors of this petition, believe that a racist word was used. There is a widespread perception that the university’s response did not adequately acknowledge the seriousness of the incident. As these students were representing the university, it is important that any misconduct is addressed transparently and that appropriate consequences are applied. Failure to do so risks conveying that racist language or behaviour by representatives of the university is tolerated.
Race Equality Charter
The university briefly mentioned, in a comment below a tweet supporting #BLM, a link to an article stating that it has signed the Race Equality Charter and applied for a Bronze Award as part of this process. It is worth noting that the university signed this charter in 2018. Rather than referencing this commitment only briefly on social media, as a student of the university, I would welcome clearer communication outlining the exact plans for how the university aims to achieve this as well as how they are planning to consider the voices of Black students and students of colour as part of this improvement.
As a university, it is important that, in addressing racism within the institution, unconscious bias is also addressed. This does not only apply to exam marking and the hiring of new employees; it should also extend to educating staff on how to avoid unconscious bias when teaching students. More information on unconscious bias and its impact can be found at NeuroLeadership Institute.
The university also needs to address the extent to which many of its courses are Eurocentric. Many students, including myself, feel that their courses focus primarily on Europe and America, with other regions mentioned only briefly. Given the global nature of higher education, students should have opportunities to engage more fully with a wider range of perspectives. Decolonising the curriculum is therefore an important part of creating meaningful change. More information about the university’s diversity efforts and charter commitments can be found on the Southampton Shine Charter page.
Source: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/diversity/news/2018/03/8-race-equality-charter.page
Zero Tolerance
As a result of what many students perceive as an insufficient institutional response to reported incidents of racism affecting Black students and students of colour, some cases of racism may go unreported. The university should have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards students and staff who commit racist acts. If the university wishes to demonstrate support for Black Lives Matter, this should be reflected not only in public statements but also in consistent, transparent, and practical measures to reduce racism and promote diversity within the institution.
This petition was written by Mehret Ashenafi, in collaboration with Jasmin Phipps.
Petition Closed
Share this petition
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 7 June 2020