Friday 29th December 2006

Are we serious about tackling racism?

“I think UCU has a long way to go to prove it is serious about tacking racism in education”

I agree.

I read this as James Brown’s funeral headed for the Apollo today. The Godfather’s anthem Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud was a turning point for some black Americans and for others. Songs can have more power than speeches.

British race discrimination is often very subtle but no more dangerous for that.

A recent book called ‘Tell it like it is’ sponsored by NATFHE and with a chapter written by Paul Mackney set out how black children are let down by the education system in this country click here to find out more.

The same happens after school. In higher education above all, race equality still seems largely smoke and mirrors. There is a pay gap, a promotion gap, a student access gap, a curriculum gap, a staff treatment gap.

Every institution has policies but when someone raises a concern – never mind a formal grievance – it is as if someone has just burped or worse. What is really frustrating for black members is why the union seems unable to deal effectively with racism by either of the two avenues other problems are dealt with- collective action or legal action.

I chaired the UCU conference on 16th November which launched a long term campaign to involve members and branches in ensuring employers implemented the Race relations amendment Act. It’s pathetic we have to do this four years after the Act came into force, but that tells the story. View the details here.

In FE we’ve discovered many Colleges that haven’t even carried out the most basic duties such as having a Race equality Policy or carrying out impact assessments. We have started a joint project with the CRE to monitor 50 colleges in England.

In HE, institutions are better at getting their policies in place but many are no better are bringing about real change.

We’ll be strengthening the support we give to networks and local branches and undertaking national monitoring and support for branches and associations.

We do have a long way to go. If you want to know more about the campaign contact Chris Nicholas at cnicholas@ucu.org.uk or Sharon Russell at srussell@ucu.org.uk who are co-ordinating this work.