Educating Out Racism is back for the 3rd time to offer practical tools to combat racism in education and support an intersectional approach to Race Equity in Education.

Launched by Debbie Weekes-Bernard (Deputy Mayor of London for Social Integration), this free virtual event will look at how to foster belonging and inclusion in education from primary to university.

Since the first Educating Out Racism in 2020, launched by Bonnie Greer and Dr Patrick Vernon Official reports have stated that Black pupils and students continue to face micro-aggressions, institutional racism and barriers to higher education:

“At GCSE level, young people from the Black major ethnic group1, on average, have the lowest combined English and maths pass rate of any major ethnic group. However, Black pupils fare better on the main progress measure. Black African pupils generally fare better than Black Caribbean pupils, and Black pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) also attain better on some key measures than White pupils eligible for FSM. In England, young people from Black ethnic groups are more likely to go on to higher education than average, but less likely to obtain high grades, enter ‘prestigious ’universities, end up in a ‘highly-skilled ’job, study further or have career satisfaction.”

-https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/

Grass-roots educational organisations, educators, activists, pupils and student voices have been reaching the national press:

“Schools are unfairly punishing black students for their hairstyles, wearing bandanas and kissing teeth”- The independent

“YMCA poll finds 70% feel under pressure over afro hair, 95% hear racist language and half think racism is biggest barrier to success”- The Guardian

This 3.5 hour programme includes panel discussions, workshops, live Q&As, presentations and a spoken word performance from LGBTI Activist and Lesbian Refugee, Poet PJ Samuels

Among other necessary questions such as ‘How do we ‘decolonise’ the curriculum?, we ask:

•     How can education providers ensure inclusivity and a sense of belonging in educational settings?

•     Why/how do micro-aggressions and racism play out within learning environments and what can we do to combat it?

•     How can education providers work more intersectionally?

Panellists and workshop facilitators include: Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London for Social Integration, Dr Nafisah Graham Brown, Dr Helen Deane, Dr Arun Verma Sheza

Poetry performance: PJ Samuels

Organiser and Founder: Laila El Metoui

The conference is supported by myGwork

myGwork is proud to sponsor Educating Out Racism. We believe in the importance of intersectional race equity in all aspects of education and are delighted to lend our support for this event. This global conference will equip students, educators and institutions with some of the knowledge and tools to provide safe and affirming spaces where everyone is valued and respected.

Find the programme schedule and book your tickets via the link.