Review of Race and History

The University has established a formal Review of Race and History group to oversee a comprehensive and inclusive, academically led, examination of the University’s relationship with its past.

Institutions, organisations and political establishments across the world have reflected upon their links with significant historic figures with respect to race in recent years.

The University of Edinburgh is committed to tackling contemporary and historical issues around race at our University, as part of our commitment to race equality and anti-racism. 

One element of this has been to establish a formal Review of Race and History group to oversee a comprehensive and inclusive, academically led, examination of the University’s relationship with its past.

This review will include a wide consultation in preparation for a report for the University Executive listing recommendations derived from communities of interest within and beyond the University.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Mathieson, comments:

The University of Edinburgh will benefit from an honest, factual and evidence-based analysis of the lessons we can learn from our past

Principal Peter Mathieson

Membership

Edinburgh’s work in this area must be sector-leading, conducted with integrity in order to strengthen the University as a global institution. Experts from a range of fields have been brought together to inform how the University addresses its historical links with race.

The group is seeking views from local and global communities and will provide recommendations regarding the outcomes from a review of the University’s history with respect to race.

Respectful debate

The University is ensuring that evidence and opinion from a wide range of sources is taken into account, and that no-one is deterred from participating by any sense that their contributions might be different or contradictory to others, no matter how senior or experienced.

There will be areas of controversy and discomfort and differences of opinion that will be strongly held and difficult to navigate. 

However, all debate, discussion and disagreement must be conducted in a respectful manner at all times, abiding by the law and under the auspices of the University’s Dignity and Respect Policy.

Related links

Race Equality and Anti-Racist Sub-Committee

Thematic Review 2018-19: Black and Minority Ethnic Students

Equality and Diversity Monitoring and Research Committee (EDMARC)

Equality and Human Rights Commission report