Addressing contemporary and historic racism

A commitment from the Principal to address racial inequalities in the University

Addressing contemporary and historic racism

Members are encouraged to read the Principal’s statement on the University website. Following discussions at the General Council Half Yearly Meeting in June 2019 he committed to address both contemporary and historic racial inequalities in the University. This current statement announces the plan of work  examining the University’s relationship with its past, including a wide consultation to which members may wish to contribute in due course.

Inevitably progress has been interrupted by the essential priorities dictated by the pandemic. Hence the interim decision to designate the repurposed David Hume Tower by its postal address appeared out of context and attracted strong criticism.

A distinguished panel representing a range of disciplines and views debated the issue of Hume’s legacy and the renaming of the David Hume tower in a public event on 22nd January. A recording of the panel discussion is available here.

More information will be published here as it becomes available.