Birmingham City University's Black Studies MA Closure: A Systemic Erasure of Marginalised Knowledge
Original framing: “Birmingham City University urged not to axe Black studies MA” — The Guardian - World
The closure of the MA in Black studies and global justice is part of a longer history of erasure and marginalization of critical race studies in the UK. The 1960s and 1970s saw a surge in Black studies programs, but these were often short-lived and underfunded. Today, the trend continues, with institutions prioritizing profit over people and knowledge.
The proposed closure of the MA in Black studies and global justice at Birmingham City University reflects a broader trend of erasure and marginalization of critical race studies in higher education.
This move is a symptom of a larger structural issue, where institutions prioritize profit over people and knowledge. To address this issue, we must center the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities, decolonize the academy, and prioritize funding for critical race studies programs. By taking these steps, we can create a more just and equitable learning environment, one that values diversity, inclusion, and social justice.