Bewritings

On Wednesday 4th November, The English Colloquium welcomed Dr Jason Arday who provided an engaging discussion titled, ‘We All Need to Dream the Same Dream and Want the Same Thing: Collectively Dismantling Racial Inequality in Higher Education.’ 

Dr Jason Arday is an Assistant Professor in Sociology at Durham University. He is a Visiting Research Fellow at The Ohio State University, specifically in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. He is an Adjunct Professor at Nelson Mandela University. Also, Dr Arday is a Trustee of the Runnymede Trust, which aims to challenge racial inequality throughout Britain. 

Both staff and students at Sussex were able to listen to Dr Arday’s presentation surrounding the racial inequality within higher education. There then was an opportunity for an open discussion, where participants discussed how to combat these issues.

Dr Arday provided interesting observations surrounding our current social climate, such as the impact George Floyd’s death and the Black Lives Matter protests had on the education sector. He also noted how the nationwide lockdown this year arguably prompted a forced period of reflection for many people, encouraging race to occupy the political centre. Then, Dr Arday highlighted the newfound understanding of the importance of white allyship; as the concept of the ‘active bystander’ has previously been the subject of debate. These events resulted in a new focus on race within all sectors, as Dr Arday commented on the previous ‘inadequate intervention.’ 

Specifically focusing on higher education, Dr Arday discussed the strain on students’ mental health through navigating racism on a daily basis. There was a focus on the lack of BAME students choosing to continue onto PhD study, due to lacking a sense of belonging within higher education. This supported Dr Arday’s argument regarding how education can act as an ‘incubator’ for racial inequality. Examples of this were explored, such as; microaggressions from staff and students, lack of representation within courses, or even an unconscious bias against BAME students when marking work. 

Dr Arday’s presentation sparked an interesting conversation about how higher education can be made more inclusive. There was a consensus on the importance of higher authorities’ involvement in future developments. Dr Arday argued that ‘navigation from the top’ was invaluable in ensuring ethnic minority students feel valued at university. Like any other major institution, ‘organic motivation’ to improve is essential in bringing about real change. Dr Arday detailed the importance of engaging with BAME students and maintaining a dialogue, as he described racial inequality as an issue which cannot be ‘dipped in and out of.’  

The event prompted an invaluable discussion that highlighted racial inequality within higher education. Members at Sussex were able to reflect on how to make our community more inclusive. Those in attendance noted the value of Dr Arday’s presentation, agreeing racism should be a topic of ongoing discussion.