What we are doing

What we are doing to say NeverOK to racism:

Our aim is to become a truly anti-racist institution. Actions speak louder than words, so this is where we're focusing our efforts. We're making progress but are the first to admit that we need to do more, and faster. Right now, we are:

• Relaunching our NeverOK campaign in conjunction with KeeleSU and the KPA – making this an all-community campaign.
• One of just 4 UK HEIs to have the Silver Award in the ‘Race Equality Charter’ process supported by Advance HE. Being a part of this charter means that we have the framework to help us to focus on key areas. That is not enough in itself and does not make us truly “anti-racist”, but it is an important way of trying to ensure that we are at the forefront of the struggle against racism in the higher education sector. You can find out more about this process below.
• Working on a microaggression anonymous reporting tool – a simple way that students and staff can anonymously report a behaviour which makes them uneasy. You can find out more about microaggressions below.
• Working to ‘decolonise’ our curriculum – which means critically assessing our academic programmes to ensure the content and the way it is delivered is inclusive of everyone and reflects the diversity among our community. For example, we want to see greater representation of non-European thinkers in our academic programmes, and a better awareness of the historical contexts in which knowledge has developed in different subjects, including the ways in which it has intersected with social hierarchies and power relations. The Decolonise Keele Network is primarily a student-led initiative leading on this and working closely with colleagues so as to ensure that we make progress in every subject across the curriculum.
• Continuing the Race Equality Lecture Series, and other public events. Find out more information and watch recordings of previous events.
• Working to fill the ‘awarding gap’ between the degree outcomes of black and white students, and between minoritised staff (as part of our Access and Participation Plan).
• Developed a staff training module on race equality - and made it compulsory for all staff to complete it. 
• Working with the SU on its Be Better Do Better anti-racism campaign – we’ve been working with our SU Officers and joining them for roundtable discussions to get student feedback on the campaign.
• Delivering a more diverse range of activities and events including Black History Month, Ramadan and Refugee Week.