A REPORT titled ‘Understanding Racism, Transforming University Cultures’ revealed that over 50 per cent of students of colour surveyed experienced racial harassment at University of Glasgow.
In response, the university introduced “Let’s Talk About Race in the Workplace” training, but an investigation by The Glasgow Guardian found that only 18.8 per cent of staff participated, with 77.5 per cent of these being white.
The report surveyed 500 ethnic minority students, discovering that over 250 faced racism between two and five times.
Structural disadvantages were also highlighted, with a degree-awarding gap favouring white students.
In 2018, ethnic minority students were 10.7 per cent less likely to graduate with high honours.
The university acknowledged the gap but cited uncertainty about its root cause.
The Glasgow Guardian’s investigation also revealed an increase in non-white staff on fixed-term contracts, indicating heightened insecure employment among the employees of colour.
Incidents of racial harassment were under-reported, with staff reporting eight incidents and students reporting nine since 2021.
Aamer Anwar, a former rector at the University, criticised the institution’s “tokenistic” approach to addressing racism.
The university released a 2023 Action Plan, including a racial equality/anti-racism campaign, anti-racism training for staff, and a ‘decolonising the curriculum’ strategy.
However, concrete steps to address the reported issues remain unclear.
A University spokesperson said: “The University condemns discrimination of any kind and is committed to promoting equality and diversity across its community and campus. We treat all incidents and complaints seriously.
“We have robust online and in-person report and support systems in place which allow students to seek help. We always respond to requests for advice or help from individuals no matter what the issue.”
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