Citizens UK campaign team attend Showing Racism the Red Card All Party Parliamentary Group
Citizens UK campaign team attend Showing Racism the Red Card All Party Parliamentary Group
Today, Citizens UK leaders attended the Showing Racism the Red Card All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to develop relationships with decision makers in Parliament and build momentum for the Racial Equity in Education campaign.
Leaders from Dixons Academies Trust (Bradford), Every Future Foundation (South London), Newcastle University, Life Multi-Academy Trust (Leicester), Nottingham Girls Academy, Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (Leicester) and The Advocacy Academy (South London) shared their own experiences and told attendees about our campaign.
Our national priority areas are to create a more inclusive national curriculum, support staff and schools to address racial inequity, and for the Government to work with us to co-design reforms.
"Did you know that Black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white students? Additionally, Latin and Latinx students have less access to advanced courses and further education, leading to higher dropout rates. This inequality perpetuates cycles of poverty and social unrest. We must recognize education as a pillar of justice and equity and ensure equal opportunities for all students."
— Rayan, Nottingham Girls Academy
"Experiences of racism and lack of representation have had negative impacts on us, and we want change, not just for us in the present, but for our future generations too."
— Joyce, St Thomas More
The event briefing provides more details about the meeting, including who attended and some of the powerful testimonies given by leaders.
Our Racial Equity in Education campaign
Education should be an equaliser, with schools as places where every child has an equal chance to thrive. Sadly, this is not yet the case. We have listened to a diverse range of children, young people, parents and educators who have told us about their experiences of racial inequity within the education system. We are organising to build more inclusive spaces that foster a positive learning environment and support the well-being of students and staff.