“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.” 

Angela Davis

What is anti-racism and how is it different to ‘not being racist’?

To start to understand anti-racism, it’s helpful to look at the past and to see how unequal things have been and still are for black and racially minoritised people in society. To be anti-racist is to actively and consciously be a part of trying to put this right. Anti-racism goes further than simply ‘not being racist.’

It’s a lifelong journey of unlearning and relearning, and of questioning and breaking systems that have served to keep things unequal between black and other racially minoritised people, and white people.

What is the University of Nottingham doing to progress anti-racism?

The University of Nottingham is an inclusive, supportive, and respectful environment. We believe there is always more work to be done, however we intend to make more progress towards nurturing an anti-racist environment.

We are fully invested in our university's Race Equality Action plan and we work closely with our diverse networks of staff and students who guide our work on anti-racism. We think very carefully about what we need to do to change our culture and to improve our active support for black and racially minoritised students and staff so that everyone can bring their authentic selves to university and thrive.