New University exhibition explores racial equality

A new exhibition will draw on the reflections and lived experiences of staff and students on race, equality and inclusion in the University Library.

The thought-provoking exhibition will run from Monday 24 January until Thursday 24 February. It will showcase the newly launched journal Promoting racial justice in teaching and learning: An edited collection of pieces by students and staff. This diverse collection features poems, essays and reflections on the theme of racial justice in university life.

The project was jointly led by Anne-Marie Henderson, Director of Student Success & Engagement at University of Reading, and Dr Eileen Hyder, an Academic Developer within the University’s Centre for Quality, Support and Development.

Ms Henderson said: “This collection was put together to encourage real action towards racial justice. Whatever our race or our role, we all have a responsibility to read, reflect and act on the work in this collection and ensure the University of Reading is truly inclusive, and that all of us can achieve our full potential, regardless of race, ethnicity or background. 

“None of this could have happened without honest and equal collaboration and we thank every staff member and student who took part and made this collection and exhibition what it is.” 

Dr Allán Laville, Dean for Diversity & Inclusion at the University of Reading, said: “This journal is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting staff and students to engage in our journey towards racial equality, as outlined in the Race Equality Review that we published last year.

“It is important that we listen to the voices among our own community to fully understand the impact of racial inequality on campus. Only by listening and understanding the issues can we take action towards becoming a fairer, more inclusive university.”

The journal was funded through the University's Diversity and Inclusion Initiative Funding.

As part of the launch, there are two further opportunities for staff and students to engage with the topic of race and identity, including a film screening and the launch of a discussion space regarding race and allyship.

• 26 January | Film Screening of Jordan Peele’s award-winning film ‘Get Out’, accompanied by a panel discussion and Q&A regarding the film’s themes. (Palmer building, room G10, 15:00-1800, free to all.)
• 27 January | The launch of Between The Lines, a discussion space for staff and students that uses cultural media as a springboard for discussions about race and allyship. (Edith Morley, room 141, 13:00-14:00, free to all.)

Staff and students can register here to attend these events.

In conjunction with the exhibition launch, the University has also created a new Racial Equality page on its website, where staff and students can find links to a collection of information and resources on race, diversity and equality. The Promoting Racial Justice in Teaching and Learning Journal is available to download from this page.