Black Lives Matter

Over the past two weeks we have witnessed a global response to the horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of four Minnesota police officers. We are right to be angered and disgusted at the ongoing structural racism, discrimination and inequality that divides our communities. The death of George Floyd is not is one-off. We acknowledge the many others – Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Botham Jean, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile – to name a few, who have suffered the consequence of institutional racism.

Institutional racism and inequality is not just a US problem. Here in the UK, we see it in the treatment of the Windrush Generation, the response to the Grenfell Tower fire, and in the stark reality that people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are four times more likely to die from COVID-19.

I stand in solidarity with colleagues who have been affected by these events, particularly to our Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and students whose everyday lived experience of racial injustices, both big and small, are compounded by these events. I recognise that these events have been difficult for many of you personally and have caused anger, frustration, and anxiety. I hope you have networks of friends and family that provide a sense of safety and security.

The protests that have taken place in every single US state, here in London, and in cities across the world, give me hope for real change. It’s long overdue. However, as a political scientist and personally, I cannot help but be alarmed at the level of violence and repression used against protestors and the attack on civil liberties.

Within our own institution we must work to give equal opportunity and voice to BAME staff and students. Last year, we started some of this work in the Department with our first formal Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee. The EDI team is committed to ensuring SPP students and staff and learn and work in an inclusive environment. We have a long way to go. But we are committed.

Yours,

Jennifer Hudson
Head of Department