Black Student Support Network

Are we acting on these practises we’ve put in place? On the outside, we look like we are by compiling/collecting data which gathers all the statistics and information of black and non-white students. At face value, institutions have made steps towards equality for all races within their student body, from outreach programmes to introducing grants and scholarships,the metaphorical gates have been opened to allow black and non-white students equal access to their education programmes and achieve a more racially representative student body., But have they addressed their culture, mindset, morals and beliefs, and do these factors affect the access to and quality of education that students receive?. Are these institutions suitable for black students? Are they structured to accommodate non-white students? Or are these institutions expecting  black and non-white students to assimilate to white normativity?

the catalyst for the development of the black student support network is that as a black student, I was subject to racism and microaggressions at drama school, which affected my quality of education and quality of life as a student. Speaking informally with alumni, current and prospective students, it is clear that racism is still prevalent at the institutions I attended and at performance institutions across the country.

In many of the accounts, students felt that lecturers were not sensitive discussing race or other cultures.  Black and/or other ethnic studies were not welcomed and celebrated compared to other studies. Many students I have spoken to reported being , Racially singled out, cast as inappropriately stereotyped roles and being encouraged to assimilate . Unsurprisingly, these same students reported feeling incapable to reach their full potential and unprepared and unequipped to enter their desired industry. 

It has become clear that diversity and decolonisation within the curriculum cannot be achieved without inclusion and accessibility within the culture.

I have developed a national survey and as the steps to create this new collective to create change within vocational training across the country.