[Geo4All] Tackling Racism in UK Higher Education

[Suchith Anand]

Dear colleagues,

Please find the link to the Open Letter on the need for Anti-Racism in UK Universities at https://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/geoforall/2026-August/006696.html 

I strongly believe that there needs to be a thorough investigation into the institutional failure of duty of care at Cambridge University, as well as the role of the press in the distress experienced by Professor Arday. There is an urgent need for lessons to be learned, those responsible to be held accountable, and meaningful changes to be made across UK universities to help ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. I have written to the UK Government and the Office for Students regarding these concerns. I sincerely hope that this will lead to stronger and more effective anti-racism action across UK higher education.

I have been working against racism throughout my life, and I have faced many difficulties as a result. Following the circulation of the Open Letter calling for stronger action on anti-racism in UK universities, I am already seeing some individuals—including in an academic mailing list—using various tactics to silence or discourage me. I find this deeply concerning and disheartening.

At the same time, I am very grateful for the support I have received from colleagues around the world, including many people whom I have never met. Their solidarity has meant a great deal to me, particularly at a time when I feel tired and, at times, helpless.

For colleagues in HE leadership who are considering what action might be taken in the wake of the tragic death of Professor Jason Arday, may I suggest taking a look at the Universities UK report?

Published in 2020 and led by Professor David Richardson, the report was the culmination of many months of examining evidence of racial harassment in UK higher education, hearing from people with direct experience, and considering the wider cultural context of the sector.

The report contains a number of clear and powerful recommendations for universities and higher education institutions. I would encourage us all to consider how well our own universities are performing against these recommendations and, importantly, what further action is needed.

Financial pressures cannot be a reason for inaction. If anything, they make it even more important that we address systemic issues and make the necessary changes to create safer, more inclusive and equitable university environments.

I commend the report and its recommendations to you. Let us work together, in solidarity, to galvanise meaningful and lasting change across UK higher education.

Details at https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2021-08/tackling-racial-harassment-in-higher-education.pdf

Best wishes,

Suchith

Professor Suchith Anand
Professor of Practice in Science Policy | Senior Adviser to Governments and International Organisations | Scientist | Global Citizen | Science Diplomacy |  SDG Volunteer and Advocate
https://spspa.exeter.ac.uk/people/profile/index.php?username=sa1131 
https://ethicaldatainitiative.org <https://ethicaldatainitiative.org/>
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