Our previous blog (Black History Month: Read, Watch, Listen, Reflect) looked at what the Student Engagement team have been engaging with to expand their knowledge and understanding of issues affecting people of colour. Following on from this, it is also important to consider the wider University context.
Edge Hill University has its roots in social equality, opening as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women in England in 1885. The topics of social justice and civil rights are just some of the prominent issues that Edge Hill prides itself on tackling. In 2019, Edge Hill University academic Professor of Education, Vicky Duckworth, co-authored Research Methods for Social Justice and Equity in Education, which offers researchers ways to ensure that they integrate principles of social justice into their methods and decision making.
With subjects such as injustice and human rights high on the research agenda, now is the time to ensure that these discussions are broadened to include whole university communities, and to amplify the voices of staff and students of colour.
Edge Hill University’s motto:
“In Scientia Opportunitas” translates as “In knowledge there is opportunity”.
Edge Hill has been proactive in actively seeking out Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students to share their experiences and inform improvements in areas including; marketing, catering and accommodation options, on campus cultural events, alcohol-free spaces, staff diversity training, decolonising the curriculum, and a positive drive to recruit a more diverse staff and student population.
Meanwhile, it is also vital for white people working and studying in higher education to use the available resources to learn, to increase understanding and to challenge our assumptions so that we can become better allies to people of colour.
Thankfully working and studying in a university offers access to vast amounts of information. Check out our Black History Month Online Reading List for a comprehensive range of Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction, Black Lives Matter resources, Websites, Films, TV playlists, Radio and even more!
Whether you are a long-time Edge Hill student or staff member, or you are just starting your University journey with us, we would love to hear your suggestions of what else we should be engaging with, and any recommendations you would like to see added to our Library resources – get in touch and let us know:
Instagram: @EHULibrary
Twitter: @EHULearnService
Email: [email protected]