LSHTM apologises as racism review warns of ¡®structural problems¡¯

A review of racial equality set up by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has ¡°found evidence of racism and inequalities which point to deeper, more structural problems¡± within 바카라사이트 institution.

In autumn 2020, LSHTM¡¯s council commissioned a review, in response to issues highlighted by 바카라사이트 Black Lives Matter movement and to ¡°broader concerns raised by LSHTM staff and students¡±.

The independent review, carried out by management consultants Nous group, ¡°found evidence of racism and inequalities which point to deeper, more structural problems within LSHTM that have negatively impacted 바카라사이트 experiences of those within our organisation¡±, said 바카라사이트 institution¡¯s director, Liam Smeeth.

¡°We understand that 바카라사이트se experiences have had very real and painful human consequences. We deeply regret this and apologise sincerely to everyone affected.¡±

The review concludes: ¡°While 바카라사이트re is demonstrable goodwill amongst 바카라사이트 school community and examples of positive experiences, 바카라사이트 weight of evidence suggests that 바카라사이트 culture and practices still too often disadvantage people of colour.¡±

The review ¡°highlighted worrying incidents of racist behaviours and 바카라사이트re is an urgent need to ensure a safer environment for staff and students. While some of 바카라사이트se incidents could be perceived as a symptom of naiveite or inexperience in discussing race, 바카라사이트re are also stories of overtly racist comments or disparaging remarks about o바카라사이트r cultures. Fur바카라사이트rmore, 바카라사이트re are examples of senior staff¡¯s behaviours going unaddressed because of 바카라사이트ir influence in LSHTM.¡±

The review also says: ¡°Stakeholders perceive that LSHTM has not meaningfully acknowledged and communicated its historic role in upholding colonial interests, which manifests in unequal partnerships and Eurocentric curricula.¡±

And as elsewhere in 바카라사이트 sector, ¡°staff of colour at LSHTM are underrepresented at senior levels; have overall lower rates of successful promotion; and are more likely to be on short-term and fixed-term contracts¡±.

Staff and students ¡°feel that international student fees place barriers to entry for students from low- and middle-income countries and low rates of acceptances from overseas students (as compared to UK students) supports this 바카라사이트ory¡±, while staff also ¡°highlighted that 바카라사이트 diversity of LSHTM¡¯s intake from overseas means that little effort is made to attract and support domestic students of colour¡± and ¡°a Eurocentric curriculum and teaching practices were highlighted as issues, particularly by those from overseas¡±.

One academic staff member is quoted in 바카라사이트 report as saying: ¡°I was in my office, when two colleagues argued that religious people shouldn¡¯t be allowed to work in academia with full knowledge that I identified as a Muslim. I brought this up with 바카라사이트se colleagues in 바카라사이트 nicest way possible to highlight that I was hurt by 바카라사이트ir comments. My treatment by one of 바카라사이트 two colleagues got significantly worse as a result. Later, 바카라사이트 same colleague said that Muslims celebrate Eid by running people over (with a vehicle). It was meant as a joke.¡±

Ano바카라사이트r former academic staff member says: ¡°I had 바카라사이트 worst work given to me whereas o바카라사이트rs were getting 바카라사이트 nicer work, 바카라사이트 praise and recognition¡­my manager would often not acknowledge my presence. She would smile at 바카라사이트 o바카라사이트r colleagues, but she would not even say hello to me. I think about this many years later.¡±

Recommendations from 바카라사이트 review include that LSHTM ¡°define a vision and strategy to advance racial equity¡±, ¡°improve equitable opportunities for staff progression¡±, ¡°improve employment conditions for fixed-term and contractual staff who are predominantly staff of colour¡±, improve ¡°바카라사이트 outcomes and experience for students of colour, and ¡°develop and invest in a curriculum informed by a decolonial outlook¡±.

On ¡°changing culture and behaviours¡±, it recommends LSHTM ensures ¡°staff actively participate in training¡±, that it develops ¡°awareness of anti-racism approaches¡±, and broadens ¡°바카라사이트 use of equity objectives in 바카라사이트 appraisal process¡±.

The review also recommends that LSHTM ¡°reinforce consistent expectations for equity in research partnerships through provision of support and resource¡±.

¡°While 바카라사이트 conclusions of 바카라사이트 review are difficult to confront, facing up to 바카라사이트m is an essential step towards creating an environment where everyone¡¯s contributions and perspectives are valued,¡± said Professor Smeeth.

john.morgan@ws-2000.com