Please join us for a half-day IN PERSON workshop on tackling racism in higher education on Thursday 18 May from 11 am to 3pm (including a vegetarian lunch). The workshop will be led by experienced external facilitators who work at Leeds Trinity University and involves screening of a short film, related discussions and sharing of a toolkit. This interactive session is free and open to all staff and students in Lancaster University. Registration is required. 

Re:Tension is a short 20 minute film that follows Thapelo, a bright and capable university student, on a day where he is unwittingly forced to question the judgements of his tutors and peers, and delve deeper into his own actions, choices and beliefs. Re:Tension addresses the topic of institutional racism and the gap in student retention amongst BAME (Black, Asian and Minority, Ethnic) students within British universities. The film was inspired by analysing statistical data that highlighted the unexplained dropout rate of BAME students.

The film attempts to provide a deep insight into unconscious racial harassment within the higher education system and micro-aggressions that often go unnoticed.

The toolkit

The toolkit, developed by Senior Teaching Fellow Syra Shakir in collaboration with Ricardo Barker, uses the film Re:Tension and the aftermath debate to openly challenge racism and discrimination. It encourages group discussion around accountability and responsibility, uses a theoretical model titled ‘The Forced Silence’ and refers to two of the five principles of Critical Race Theory essential in the fight against discrimination; The Voices of People of Colour and Interest Convergence.

How is it delivered?

A half-day in person session delivered by Syra Shakir and Ricardo Barker. Following the screening of Re:Tension (run time: 20 minutes), Syra and Ricardo will begin the aftermath debate. The audience will be split into groups with opportunities to discuss the film, how it made them feel and feedback to the group. Attendees will be encouraged to share personal experiences (where possible) and reflect on racial inequality in their institutions.

After lunch, the last part of the workshop will lead into a space for reflection about potential challenges and discussion on ways forward within different departments/faculties/workplaces. We hope that attendees will come away with ideas and actions that can be implemented.

Brought to you by FASS Decolonisation in collaboration with Leeds Trinity University. An opportunity to learn from others, ask questions, share ideas/practice, and be inspired!