Goldsmiths students warn occupation of university building ‘just the start’ against racial equality

Students at Goldsmiths, University of London have warned vice-chancellors of more protests in the future if racial issues on the campus are not addressed.

Said students occupied one of the University’s buildings this year for 137 days.

Prior to the start of the occupation in the Deptford Town Hall in March, an election candidate for the students’ union (SU) was racially abused.

The occupation, which arose after a “lack of anti-racist action from senior management,” ended in late July when the university agreed to tackle racism by introducing compulsory race awareness training for staff.

Other measures include assessing their anti-discrimination and harassment policies, as well as investing more attention towards minimising the attainment gap between its white and ethnic minority students.

Myriam Kane, a member of Goldsmiths Anti-Racist Action said this month that the occupation was “just the start” and explained that students would “make sure the institution changes”.

“We will be watching what the university does, how they implement the commitments,” she told Times Higher Education.

Ms Kane stated that action as already being taken in the form of a task force reviewing how the university manages racism and discrimination complaints.

We will be watching what the university does, how they implement the commitments

– Myriam Kane

 

The force had met several times and a report is expected to be released before Christmas this year.

“I think it should be a lesson for other universities around the country: listen to your marginalised students,” Ms Kane continued.

“The sad thing about this is the fact that Goldsmiths portrays itself as being this liberal institution, this politically ‘woke’ institution, but then was not listening to the issue and to the problems of BME students and staff.

“That is problematic and disheartening from a management team that is all white.”

At Goldsmiths, 40% of the student body are black and ethnic minority (BME).

Ms Kane hopes to inspire students at other universities. She said “If you stand your ground, and don’t listen to those who say settle for less- you are paying £9,000 for something which should be free-  you should get what you deserve and need.”

Goldsmiths was granted a possession order over Deptford Town Hall on the same day both parties achieved an agreement over the occupation.

Further changes that will be introduced include improving community access to Deptford Town Hall, hiring in-house security staff, and reinstating lost contact hours for students.

A spokesman for the university said: “We are pleased we had been able to ensure that the building’s vital teaching space is ready for the start of the new academic term.

“We have listened to the issues raised by the protesters and committed an additional £500,000 as part of a comprehensive action plan addressing issues of racial justice and will be working hard to improve the experiences of our BME students and staff.”