Our response

We are proud to be an institution that has the courage to face its past, as it better enables us to meet our promise to be an inclusive and forward-thinking institution.

Read the formal statement from the University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

Statement from the Principal

Race Review Response Group

The Race Review will inform ongoing dialogue around these difficult issues and be a driver for sustained, meaningful change. To expedite this, the University is establishing a Race Review Response Group comprising a diverse range of staff, students and external partners.

This group will engage with the University community, embracing diverse perspectives to strengthen involvement. It will also monitor progress, advise on actions and ensure the University fulfils its commitment to enacting meaningful change in light of the Review.

Continuing Research

As part of the University’s commitment to long-term, community-engaged research, funding opportunities will be sought to build on this important work addressing racial injustice.

As part of our Response Group implementation plan, we will continue to bring together our researchers, students and local and international communities to further co-create impactful research-led initiatives.

The Review included a number of specific recommendations that will be thoughtfully considered, including how we can better take a research-led approach to improving the institutional racial climate in higher education, and addressing the under-representation of Black students and staff.

Community Space

The University recognises the importance of providing accessible spaces for under-represented communities to gather and engage at a local level. Information will be made available on how community groups can access free space within University buildings, with renewed effort to identify and expand suitable venues across our campus.

Community groups can find out more information on our existing access to rooms scheme on our website.

Community Access to Rooms

The Review was unique in part due to the extensive level of community engagement that took place. We wish to continue strengthening this connection, creating a bridge between researchers, local communities, practitioners and activists.

We will explore how our campus can further be opened up to support the aims of the Review, building on existing schemes that provide access and inclusion opportunities through use of our space and increasing the number of community projects.

Scholarship Programmes

As part of our continued commitment to dismantling barriers to education, we will accelerate our progress with philanthropically-funded scholarships for Black and minoritised ethnic groups, reaffirming the University’s dedication to fostering equality, inclusion and social mobility across society.

Educational programmes

We will strengthen educational programmes, and supporting initiatives, educating our students on our historical links to colonialism and the discredited pseudo-science of racial thought.

We will continue our efforts to decolonise our curriculum and practices, again building on excellent work already led by our community of diverse scholars.

Campus Look and Feel

The University has already commenced refreshing its approach to the look and feel of campus as a result of the Review – both in terms of acknowledging our past and ensuring that we offer an inclusive welcoming environment for everyone in our diverse community.

We will build on this work and consider, as part of the Response Group, displays and events related to the Review of our history and legacies. We will explore digital opportunities and platforms to enable us to reach wider audiences, spread knowledge and ensure continued conversation.

We are establishing a Naming Committee to ensure appropriate planning, consultation and procedures are followed when considering addressing current and historical naming of buildings, spaces and landmarks across our campus.

Exhibition

In recognition of the moving, confronting and historical depth of the Race Review’s findings, a dedicated exhibition will be curated and accessible to all. This will include contributions from researchers, students, staff, community members and other contributors, reflecting on the Review and its themes.