More than 100 academics, writers and activists have signed an open letter condemning plans to close the MA in Black studies and global justice at Birmingham City University (BCU), just months after it was launched. The move follows the controversial closure of BCU’s undergraduate Black studies course in 2024, prompting warnings that Black studies are being erased from UK higher education.
Five Black members of staff are at risk of redundancy, including Prof Kehinde Andrews, who pioneered the programme. Andrews said he and colleagues were given just 24 hours' notice of the decision, taken in February, to close the MA due to low recruitment. Eight students are currently enrolled. Andrews criticised the lack of consultation and the absence of an equality impact assessment.
In an open letter to the board of governors, Andrews called for a review, describing the university's conduct as “deeply flawed” and potentially discriminatory. He cited the redundancy of Prof Hakim Adi at the University of Chichester in 2023 as part of a worrying trend. “When we do manage to offer such courses they should be nurtured, not stamped out at the earliest opportunity,” he wrote.
Signatories include Prof Kalwant Bhopal, who said the closure “signifies a turn towards reinforcing Eurocentric knowledge and Whiteness”. Others include journalist Yomi Adegoke, artist Akala, Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, and Prof Nicola Rollock. A university spokesperson said the MA would be withdrawn from September due to low demand, but current students can complete their studies, and a consultation with affected staff is under way.
