Goldsmiths, University of London has come under fire for failing to release a report that highlighted racism in the school the plight of minority students. The report which had been prepared by student leaders was condemning the school administration’s inaction towards tackling racism.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) has accused Goldsmiths, University of London for watering down a report that highlighted discrimination in the school. The foreword written by students that were damning to the school was removed by the school administration, a move many are arguing, highlights the lack of caring by the school administration about the plight of minority students in the school.
Mona Mounir, a welfare and liberation officer at Goldsmiths students’ union and also writing in the capacity of a student leader for Anti-Racism Action said that she had been asked to write the foreword by the administration. The school, after receiving the report, however, backtracked on its willingness to handle the core discrimination issues that were raised in the report and refused to be part of it. This has left many angry at the school administration with some accusing it of dishonesty.
How racism has affected students
Goldsmiths University comprises about 45 percent BAME as students. In the past, students have always complained about unfair treatment from both the school administration and students. This move led to a standoff between March and July where students occupied the Deptford town hall protesting what they termed as increased incidences of racism on campus.
Mounir had expressed her disappointment with the school administration and other student organizations for making her work hard while fighting racism in school. She was not pleased with the steps that the school was taking to protect all its students. She also accused the university of only playing public relations with the BAME students without implementing what it was promising these students.
Mounir is quoted saying, “This is similar to how Goldsmiths University tries to brand itself as a progressive and ‘left’ institution but in reality, that is not the case. There are a lot of changes happening within the students’ union right now to address this, from new staff, new management, to hopefully a new structure that will have a significant positive change.”
The University was unhappy about the criticism according to Mounir which led to withholding the report against racism. She views this as a systematic calculation to keep people ignorant of what is going on in the University.
However, the university spokesperson was quick to refute these allegations saying that they have offered help to BAME students and they will continue offering the help they need. He also said that the report was not shut down and issues raised in the report would be addressed at the appropriate time.
