Home
/
Products
/
Are we still decolonising the university? Reclaiming anti-colonialism and anti-racism in Higher Education - Tuesday 23rd September 2025,10am - 5pm
One day symposium to support ongoing work in British universities especially those in the North of the United Kingdom in relation to promoting a deeper understanding of the relevance and role of anti-colonialism and anti-racism in Higher Education and beyond. Taking place on Tuesday 23 September at Lancaster University, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Staff £20.00
Students £10
Are we still decolonising the university? Reclaiming anti-colonialism and anti-racism in Higher Education
There is increasing push-back against the use of the word ‘decolonisation’ and its co-option into mainstream narratives that depoliticise its content and intent. Others feel that the term needs to be reclaimed to inform a progressive agenda which will transform Higher Education (HE) for the better. Given that efforts at decolonisation can be disjointed and reactionary, this one-day symposium aims at providing the space for participants to suggest ideas, highlight challenges and discuss ways forward in relation to setting up a decolonisation network for colleagues working in British universities. What ground has been covered in terms of addressing legacies of colonialism, racism, slavery and empire in HE over the last decade? What should our focus be in relation to these themes in HE over the next decade? Will such a network be helpful in providing structure and focus to these conversations? What should the remit of such a network be? What could a collective movement of likeminded scholars, students and supporters achieve? These and related questions are what we hope to explore alongside colleagues in a collegial and collaborative way on Tuesday 23 September 2025 at Lancaster university.
This symposium is not intended as an uncritical celebration of decolonisation. Rather, it is meant as a space in which those who are tired of how decolonisation has been appropriated and misused can come and reclaim whatever is worth salvaging from decolonial initiatives and scholarship.
Further Details
This in-person event runs from 10 am to 5 pm. It is a collaboration between colleagues at Lancaster, Liverpool and York St John universities. It is open to all colleagues working or studying in HE institutions in the United Kingdom. Places are limited so please book early to secure a place.
The registration fees will cover the costs for a hot lunch and refreshments through the day. There is a reduced fee for students. If you are not able to cover the registration fees, please get in touch with us on [email protected]
Amidst all the uncertainties within HE in the United Kingdom and in the context of unfolding global conflicts and challenges, this is an opportunity for us to meet, discuss, network and collectively forge a road ahead. We hope you can join us!
Sunita Abraham, Leon Moosavi, Lucy Potter and Laura Key
