Widespread racism against Black students in UK colleges: Report
A published report that surveyed over 1,000 students in UK universities reveals that Black students were victims of racism while living in student accommodation.
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The report touched on “racially segregated” accommodation and abuse against Black students.
A report by The Guardian dubbed "Living Black at University," suggested that UK universities and student housing providers should end widespread racism against Black students in residence halls.
The report touched on alleged “racially segregated” accommodation and abuse against Black students.
According to the newspaper, more than half of the Black students surveyed were victims of racism while living in student accommodation, and nearly two-thirds have witnessed racism.
The report revealed that “these experiences ranged from insensitivity around things like hair or food, to the use of racial slurs, to spitting, shouting, and physical violence."
The research, -- commissioned by student accommodation provider Unite Students -- surveyed more than 1,000 students and conducted interviews with several.
It is the first of its kind to touch on "racism in higher education in a non-academic context," noted The Guardian.
Intentional segregation of students
"Living Black at University" witnessed several students suspecting their universities intentionally segregated students according to race or nationality.
"Three-quarters of Black students reported an impact on their mental health due to racism, compounded by a lack of support and difficulties in finding Black counselors who had the experience to understand the impact," the report found.
The published report suggested that UK universities and student housing providers should "eliminate racism from all areas of the student experience, including student accommodation."
Racism remained the same
Commenting on the findings of the report, Professor Iyiola Solanke, the dean for equality, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Leeds, expressed her shock at knowing that racist incidents were the same from when she was a university student, back "when other students expected her to be a drug dealer or to like hip-hop," pointed out The Guardian.
On the other hand, the study showed that 40% of Black students mentioned that the staff positively confronted racist acts, and 57% said they witnessed other students confronting racism.
