Transforming Race Equality in Academia

The appointment of a Provost's Envoy for Race Equality brought to light significant disparities in academic promotion and degree outcomes based on ethnicity and gender. Data revealed that ethnic minority individuals, particularly black females, faced systemic barriers, leading to lower promotion rates and degree classifications despite similar qualifications. Efforts to combat these issues included implementing inclusive teaching practices, encouraging contributions from ethnic minority students, and diversifying examples in curricula by including contributions from ethnic minority and female scientists. Initiatives such as pairing ethnic minority staff with senior mentors aimed to enhance professional development and visibility in the institution. The inclusion of ethnic minority staff in interview panels was also emphasized, ensuring they were equipped with relevant knowledge and training. This multifaceted approach yielded remarkable results, increasing recruitment and promotion rates among ethnic minority individuals and progressively narrowing the awarding gaps in degree classifications. Additionally, a significant cultural shift was evident in the removal of names of prominent eugenicists from building facades, a move realized through extensive inquiry and consensus, reflecting a commitment to create a more equitable academic environment.