DAR Study Group
Brought to you by the Pedagogies for Social justice project at the University of Westminster, the ‘Decolonisation and Anti-Racism’ Study Group aims to foster the learning and dialogue that is needed in our efforts towards social change in higher education. By facilitating the analysis and discussion of certain texts and media which in turn encourages us to question our own ideas and practices, this group can help members develop their understanding of race, coloniality, and the educational systems that continue to disadvantage underrepresented groups and erase their knowledges. From that point, we might begin to engage in the collaborative process of dreaming alternative futures where we can co-exist and succeed. By learning, critiquing, and dreaming together, we hope to foster new, genuine relationships and fruitful discussions, as a means of challenging the ways academia has come to be understood and at times, taken for granted.
We open up this study group to both students and staff from all levels of understanding of decolonial and anti-racist work. In welcoming faces from across the schools and departments, we hope to create and maintain a multidisciplinary safe space in which members can express themselves, but also be supported when unlearning and rethinking is necessary. In accepting this invitation, you are accepting an opportunity to ask questions, share critiques and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals, but also be a part of a transformative project that aims to develop new and critical ways of understanding our institution.
Please ensure you are using your University of Westminster email to sign up to each session via Eventbrite. We cannot accept external emails or guests at this time.
Previous sessions:
1. Intersectionality
This study group session was dedicated to questions concerning Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, but a concept explored by many Black feminist writers and freedom fighters. We discussed the multiple forms of oppression (racism, sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia, islamophobia etc.) and how they create different modes of discrimination and disadvantage as they are not only important to our understanding of injustice, but how we understand and navigate our own identities within the university and wider society.
Led by Kyra Araneta, Tino Rwodzi and Shivangi Sen
2. On “Insta-activism” — Social media and political activism
This study group session was dedicated to “Insta-activism” to focus on how the Instagram platform has emerged as a new space for political activism and consider the implications.
Led by Kyra Araneta, Tino Rwodzi and Shivangi Sen
3. Understanding Privilege
This study group session was dedicated to understanding privilege in particular, the importance of recognising our privileges and identifying the situations in which we benefit because of them.
Led by Lauren Nader, Lalita Gurung and Aminul Schuster
4. Understanding allyship and being an ally in the university
This study group session was dedicated to understanding the different notions of what it means to be an ally and how to contribute to allyship within the university. Throughout the session, we discussed the different types of allies, how we can practice allyship to specific communities, and the importance of challenging colonial and racist ideas and systems through allyship.
Led by Pierre Bartin, Melissa Charifo, Kelsea Costin and Zamara Khan