Birmingham City University (BCU) is facing intense criticism over its decision to close a Master's degree in Black studies and global justice, just months after it was launched. More than 100 academics, writers, and activists from around the world have signed an open letter condemning the move, which follows the controversial closure of the university’s undergraduate course in Black studies in 2024.
Staff at Risk and Lack of Consultation
Five Black members of staff are at risk of redundancy, including Professor Kehinde Andrews, a leading commentator who pioneered BCU’s Black studies programme. Andrews stated that he and four colleagues were called into a meeting with only 24 hours' notice to learn that the decision to close the MA had been made in February. The university cited low recruitment as the reason, with only eight students currently enrolled. Andrews criticized the lack of consultation, noting that the MA had only started this year and that no equality impact assessment had been completed.
Accusations of Erasure
Andrews described the closure as an act of erasure, saying, “The university should be ashamed.” In an open letter to BCU’s board of governors, he called for a review of the decision, claiming the university’s conduct and decision-making were “deeply flawed” and potentially discriminatory. He highlighted a worrying trend of cuts disproportionately affecting Black scholarship, citing the case of Professor Hakim Adi, who was made redundant by the University of Chichester in 2023 after his MRes on African history was cut.
Broader Context of Financial Crisis
UK universities are currently facing a financial crisis, leading to widespread cost-cutting measures. However, critics argue that Black studies programs are being unfairly targeted. Professor Kalwant Bhopal, director of the Centre for Research in Race and Education at Birmingham University, said the closure “signifies a turn towards reinforcing Eurocentric knowledge and Whiteness,” adding that it follows a pattern of previous course closures aimed at silencing Black intellectual scholarship.
Other signatories to the letter include journalist and author Yomi Adegoke, artist and activist Akala, Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, and Professor Nicola Rollock of King’s College London. A university spokesperson confirmed that after a review of postgraduate offerings, a small number of courses, including the Black studies MA, would be withdrawn from September due to low demand. Current students will be able to complete their studies, and the university is exploring alternative provisions. A consultation process is underway with affected staff to minimize redundancies.
