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Northampton freshers face race equity course
Northampton freshers are being asked to complete race equity training before halls, raising fresh questions over campus speech.
In brief
Northampton freshers are being asked to complete race equity training before halls, raising fresh questions over campus speech. The course is framed as reflective and optional, but critics argue its prompts put a university stance on contested race ideas in front of new students. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Freshers get training
First year students at the University of Northampton are being asked to complete an online race equity course before moving into halls.
“University students are being asked to complete a 'race equity' course”
Part of induction
The course is being offered during Freshers' Week as part of the university's induction for new students.
Reminders go out
Students who do not finish the modules are sent reminders, according to the university.
“Anyone who does not complete the modules is sent reminders”
Advance HE supplied it
Northampton says the Introduction to Race Equity course comes through Advance HE, a membership body used by universities.
Privilege prompt appears
One section asks students to reflect on how white privilege operates and how it affects Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and students.
“Were you aware of how White privilege operates”
Action plans requested
Students are also asked to write down steps they can take to improve anti-racist practice and address race inequality.
“improve your anti-racist practice”
University cannot read answers
Northampton says students' written responses are not accessible to the university.
“The responses are not accessible by the university”
Halls are not blocked
The university says non-completion would not stop students from starting their courses or moving into accommodation.
“would not prevent anyone starting their studies”
Free speech group objects
The Free Speech Union argues the course signals that Northampton has taken a side on politically contested issues.
“Northampton has taken a position on a number of politically contested issues”
Glossary defines privilege
A separate Advance HE glossary defines white privilege as unearned advantages and choices given to people because they are white.
“an unquestioned and unearned set of advantages”
Structural privilege defined
The glossary also describes structural white privilege as a system that makes racial advantages and disadvantages seem normal.
“make current racial advantages and disadvantages seem normal”
Ideas face pushback
The piece notes that these ideas have been opposed by people who argue that not all white people are privileged.
Further reading included
The course appendix points students to extra reading, including a Huffington Post article about white fragility.
“The Sugarcoated Language of White Fragility”
Northampton defends inclusion
The university says inclusion is one of its core values, while also saying it supports free speech and respectful dialogue.
“Inclusivity is one of our core values”
Course called standard
Northampton describes the training as an industry standard course that asks students to reflect on their own background and their peers'.
“an industry standard course”
Students can disagree
The university says students are able to enter their own viewpoints in the course.
“students are able to enter their own viewpoints”
Charter membership cited
Northampton is a member of Advance HE's Race Equality Charter, which it says helps identify and tackle barriers for Global Ethnic Majority staff and students.
“supports our efforts to identify and tackle the barriers”
Advance HE responds
Advance HE says the course supports universities trying to tackle race inequality and build more inclusive campuses.
“supporting the sector in its efforts to tackle race inequalities”
Providers can adapt it
Advance HE says universities may adapt the programme for their own setting and that it does not prescribe how training is delivered.
“Providers may adapt the programme for use in their own context”
The main idea
The course is framed as reflective and optional, but critics argue its prompts put a university stance on contested race ideas in front of new students.
