NTSU and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement
As a Students’ Union, we stand together in solidarity with our black students and staff. We must all stand up against racism and stop injustice.
It is important to speak up and not be silent which is why we wanted to share more information on the #BlackLivesMatter movement and what we can do to support it.
The history of the movement
#BlackLivesMatter is an international movement which started in 2013 and campaigns against violence and systemic racism against black people. The movement was created in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer and is active across the world.
It’s been described as a new civil rights movement and its mission is to eradicate white supremacy and intervene in violence inflicted on black communities by the state. You can find out more about it at https://blacklivesmatter.com/
Why is supporting it so important?
The tragic murder of George Floyd is one of many examples of white supremacy and institutional racism in the US from the last few years and it is important to recognise that it is also prevalent in the UK. Here are just some examples:
- Black people are 40 times more likely to be stopped and searched in the UK by the police
- Black students are less likely to get a 1st or 2.1 than their white counterparts.
- Black people are detained under the mental health act 4x more often than white people
What can we do to support #BlackLivesMatter?
Learn. We can all make an effort to understand white privilege, educate friends on theirs and call out racist behaviours and attitudes.
Here is a thread of resources which you can use to learn more about white privilege, the Black Lives Matter movement and how you can show your support.
What is NTSU doing?
To all our Black students and staff, we stand with you. We know we have work to do which is why we’ll be doing our best to educate ourselves as well as others whilst supporting you.
We recently conducted a research project on the experience of black students at NTU, which resulted in this position paper on the black attainment gap.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be keeping you updated with some of the ways we intend to do that so watch this space for details.
If you need to report an incident, you can find more information in NTU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy or get in touch with our Information and Advice Service for support.
