Sheffield Business School’s Post

Great article highlighting the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in educating Black and Brown students, despite facing underfunding from many states. Did you know that almost 30% of undergraduate degrees awarded to Black students are from HBCUs? It's time we show our support for these institutions and recognize their vital role in creating a more equitable society. #HBCU #HigherEducation #Equity

As the Director of Political Action for the New York University Black Student Union, I initiated a pivotal project aimed at capturing the Black experience on campus. With the freedom to operate with minimal oversight from the Black Student Union, I led the Political Action Committee in a year-long investigative journey. Our goal was to listen directly to our community—students, professors, administrators, janitors, cafeteria workers, and security guards—to truly understand and articulate the challenges faced by Black individuals at NYU. Through numerous interviews and community feedback, we identified six critical issues that needed to be addressed to make NYU a more inclusive and representative environment. These were compiled into a comprehensive document with actionable demands presented to the administration: 1. Mirror to the Metropolis: In light of the recent reversal of affirmative action, we demanded that NYU establish new protocols to ensure the continuous admission of students of color, maintaining its commitment to diversity. 2. The DEI Deficit: We challenged NYU's self-image as a diverse institution, pointing out the prevalent campus segregation and calling for genuine efforts to foster cross-cultural connections and substantive inclusivity. 3. Course Correction: We advocated for the expansion of Black studies in the curriculum, particularly at the graduate level, and a reevaluation of the general education courses to include African cultural studies with the importance it deserves. 4. Reimagining Representation: Emphasizing the need for diversity in faculty, not just in DEI and Black studies but across all disciplines including STEM and administration. We urged NYU to proactively recruit Black faculty and create an environment where they would thrive. 5. Envisioning a Haven for Blackness: We proposed the creation of a Black Cultural Center, envisioning it as a multi floor building that would not only serve as a safe space for Black students but for students of various cultural backgrounds to openly practice their traditions. This would enrich the NYU community by fostering cross-cultural interactions through shared events. 6. Expression on Trial: Addressing the selective censorship on campus, especially concerning the Palestine-Israel conflict, we demanded equitable application of NYU’s policies on protests and public expressions, ensuring diversity among the decision-makers regarding disciplinary actions. These demands were not just a list of grievances but a blueprint for progress, aiming to transform NYU into a truly inclusive community where Black students and faculty feel valued and represented. By presenting these demands, we sought to catalyze change and ensure that NYU lives up to its professed values of diversity and inclusion.

We're excited to share our latest blog post on an important topic: The Impact of Black Studies Programs on University Campuses. This comprehensive analysis delves into how these programs are reshaping academic environments, fostering inclusivity, and enriching the educational experiences for all students. 🔍 Key Takeaways: • Cultural Enrichment: Learn how Black Studies programs bring diverse perspectives and histories into the academic curriculum. • Student Empowerment: Discover the positive effects on students' self-identity and community engagement. • Institutional Change: Understand how these programs are driving universities towards more inclusive and equitable practices. This blog is a must-read for educators, students, and anyone interested in the transformative power of inclusive education. Join the conversation and see how Black Studies programs are making a significant difference on campuses across the nation. 📖 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gHdw8UnT Let's celebrate and support the ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive and representative of all voices. #HigherEducation #BlackStudies #InclusiveEducation #UniversityImpact #DiversityAndInclusion #AcademicEnrichment #EducationReform #phdblog #phdblogger #dissertation #dissertationlife #dissertationproblems #dissertationtips #dissertationcoach #dissertationhelp #dissertationtime #dissertationresearch #phdlife

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀? Did you know? Black students face significant disparities in access and completion at the college level. While comprising 14% of the college-age population, they only represent 9% of enrollments. The graduation rate gap is even wider, with just 44% graduating within six years compared to 66% of White students. These statistics are stark, but they highlight the crucial need for action. Thankfully, institutions with strong affirmative action and DEI programs have shown success in narrowing these gaps. Yet, recent policy reversals threaten this progress. We can't stand by and let these gains slip away! Join us at our Black History Month Symposium on Feb 24 to explore: 👉The root causes of these disparities. 👉The effectiveness of proven solutions like affirmative action and DEI. 👉Strategies for advocating for and achieving equitable access and success for all students. We believe Together, we can: 👉Amplify the voices of Black students and communities. 👉Challenge systemic barriers and demand change. 👉Build a future where education empowers ALL, regardless of background. Mark your calendars, register today, and be part of the solution! https://lnkd.in/eGNjPnND See you there. #BlackHistoryMonth #EducationEquity #DEI #Symposium #JoinTheMovement

Canada’s post-secondary sector does not reflect the diversity of our country — particularly when it comes to Black academics.    Only 2.3 per cent of the senior leaders at Canada’s universities are Black despite 4.3 per cent of the Canadian population identifying as Black. A report for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council found that only 1.96 per cent of Canada research chairs in all sectors are held by Black-identifying individuals.    This underrepresentation is a significant challenge that demands collective action. That’s why, in 2021, more than 40 universities and colleges signed the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education — a framework for confronting anti-Black racism within post-secondary institutions.    Since then, Canada’s PSE sector has made some good progress with targeting hiring programs and student support services. We must continue to invest in our current efforts while exploring new ways to foster Black inclusion and equity.     Efforts to boost Black inclusion are about ensuring all communities in academia have equal opportunity for success. Removing barriers for one community does not come at the expense of other communities or excellence. Universities and society benefit when we allow diverse voices to enrich our teaching, learning, research and service.    Read the full op-ed that Wilfrid Laurier University President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy, PhD, ICD.D and I authored in today's Waterloo Region Record University of Waterloo

Why is the arrival of Black Oxford - The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholars at Oxford's Visitor Information Centre monumental? The Visitor Information Centre in Oxford is a popular tourist hub for people from all over the world. However, the books available there have traditionally been Euro-centric and do not reflect the full diversity of the city's history and culture. That's why the stocking of Black Oxford—The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholars is such a monumental achievement. It will be the first book in the Centre to focus on the university's Black presence and scholars. This is important because it offers an opportunity for a diverse group of people, including students, tourists, and locals, to learn about the work and accomplishments of Black scholars, helping to promote a better understanding of history, culture, and intellectual contributions. Moreover, the book showcases the achievements of Black scholars, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in academic discourse. It also challenges stereotypes and biases by presenting counter-narratives to misconceptions about race, intelligence, and educational capabilities. By having this book available at the Visitor Information Centre, people can be inspired and empowered to pursue academic and intellectual endeavours. They can see successful Black scholars celebrated and recognized, which can be a motivation for aspiring academics. Join me for a book signing at the Centre to delve into the fascinating history of Black scholars at Oxford University. Saturday, March 23rd 11.00 am - 3.00 pm. #BlackHistory #BookLaunch #Oxford#OxfordHistory #BlackAcademia#DiverseScholars #BlackExcellence#MeetTheAuthor #BlackOxford#VisitOxford#VisitorInformation Centre

Where Are The Black Professors? Well, we have a few… But there should be more. 🎓The paucity of Black Higher Education professors within the UK illuminates the systemic inequity of the Higher Education system in Britain. 🔸Our consultant Prof. Jason Arday, who also is currently the youngest Black professor ever appointed at the University of Cambridge, assesses in this paper how the Academy systemically marginalises Black academics from the professoriate in the UK. 🔸In his paper, Jason also highlights the need for the sector to mobilise greater opportunities for Black academics to progress throughout the Academy to the professoriate, in addition to challenging the sector and Higher Education policymakers to play more of a pivotal role in advancing ethnic equality in UK universities. 👉🏾 Read Jason’s paper here: https://lnkd.in/eJAW3xYM #BlackProfessors #HigherEducation #RacialEquity #SystemicChange #RepresentationMatters 🧡

We couldn't agree more! We were invited to offer our own assessment/review, as part of a pitch for services for the OU (who are hiring for a senior EDI role). We used our expertise, and experience, to offer insights - which support this insight from Prof. Arday - unfortunately, they chose to go with a more well known recruiter (who lacks our EDI expertise, and deeper knowledge of systemic issues in the sector). The result may be that a black academic is found for that role, in the short-term, but how will their approach create longer-term and more widespread sector/institutional change..? Our approach, as seen in our slides from our pitch (see comments below), would have resulted in institutional change (and eventually sector change)...🤷

#nationaleducationweek Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established primarily in the United States to provide higher education opportunities for Black Americans who were systematically denied access to predominantly white institutions due to racial segregation and discrimination. The first HBCUs emerged in the 19th century, primarily after the Civil War and during the Reconstruction era, when there were few educational opportunities for Black Americans. The intent behind their creation was to offer avenues for education and advancement to the newly freed Black population. Many of these institutions were founded by various religious organizations, abolitionist groups, and philanthropists. HBCUs played a pivotal role in providing access to education, nurturing Black intellectuals, professionals, and leaders, and fostering a sense of community and empowerment at a time when higher education was largely inaccessible to Black individuals in the United States due to Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. These institutions became centers for academic excellence, cultural preservation, and social upliftment, offering not only education but also spaces where Black students could thrive, excel, and become leaders in their communities despite the challenges posed by racism and inequality. Even today, HBCUs continue to play a crucial role in higher education, producing a significant percentage of Black professionals, leaders, and scholars across various fields.