A key University and College Union (UCU) committee has announced a boycott of further engagement with the union, expressing concern about its failure to tackle “entrenched racism and systemic disrespect” towards black members and staff.
The Black Members’ Standing Committee said that Times Higher Education’s report alleging a “culture of fear” within UCU offices and discrimination against ethnic minority staff had “shaken us and underscored the urgent need for change”.
In a statement provided to THE, 10 of the committee’s 12 elected members warned of “pervasive structural racism that plagues our sector and our union”.
“We feel obliged to share our disappointment in the entrenched racism and systemic disrespect within our union. For too long we have witnessed an active undermining of our voices and dismissal of our concerns within UCU and lack of meaningful representation,” the committee said.
