Seun Twins: statement on racism within our community
Thursday 12-08-2021 - 10:31
We know that there is racism at Durham University. The University knows it too. The horrific instances of racism that become high profile, that hit the news and feature yet again across our social media platforms, should not be the instances that cause the University to take things seriously. They are not one-off instances, and they are not surprises.
The most recent example is still under investigation, and the University are of the view that it is not a Durham student. I hope they’re right. But if it comes to light that a Durham student is involved then they do not belong in our community. If racism truly has no place at Durham, then the University knows that there is only ever one acceptable action and they should take that action without hesitation.
As usual, the University has responded by drawing our attention to support mechanisms in the event that this incident of racism has affected students. This is right, but there is more to be done. The University needs to draw attention to the routes by which students can join the campaign to address racism at Durham, to solve the actual problem of racism in our community, not just our distress when students have to witness it.
Racism is not just a phenomena in our society, but it is a phenomena in our University – from how we learn to the communities we build. Students of colour feel it every day, not just at the moments of fleeting outrage that come with scandal. This incident saddens me on a personal level, as a black woman, but I am also sad for us as a community of students. When we ask the University to do better and set new standards, we need to do so also for ourselves.
