< img src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ea4303acec7fde8ffda523f2419e59d02975c6cf/734_358_2205_1764/master/2205.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&precrop=40:21,offset-x50,offset-y0&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=f7da1537e82a8f6df2e212c807f4e669"alt ="" > A leading US civil liberties scholar has advised Birmingham City University (BCU) to reverse its choice to close its black research studies course, comparing it to the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion in the US.Kimberlé Crenshaw, a professor of law at the University of California, Los Angeles and Columbia University, revealed “profound concern” about plans to withdraw the MA in black studies and worldwide justice, simply months after the course was launched.In a statement shared on social media throughout her UK book trip, Crenshaw called the decision an”escalating attack on black studies”and an”ideological, extremist-led campaign that has now explicitly travelled across the Atlantic”. Crenshaw said:”The organized taking apart of black studies in the United States is matching a harmful parallel in the United Kingdom, where the discipline now deals with the danger of overall erasure.”It remains definitely vital that the truth relating to the history, contributions, perspectives and lived experiences of black individuals in Britain and throughout the global diaspora is preserved, taught and championed.”She explained black research studies as an” essential space of vital questions”and stated the community
constructed around the subject at BCU was “worldwide renowned “. The course is due to be withdrawn from September after a review of the university’s postgraduate portfolio.
BCU has said the choice was driven by low student recruitment, with simply 8 students presently registered on the course.The decision follows the controversial closure of the university’s undergraduate black studies programme in 2024, and has actually triggered warnings from academics that black scholarship is being disproportionately impacted by cost-cutting steps throughout higher education.Crenshaw said:”This taking apart is not merely an institutional realignment; it is a direct attack on the production of critical knowledge. “Prof Kehinde Andrews, a leading commentator who pioneered
the programme, formerly informed the Guardian that personnel and trainees were provided no meaningful chance to challenge the decision.An open letter calling for the closure to be reconsidered has actually brought in support from academics, politicians and cultural figures including Prof Kalwant Bhopal, Akala, Yomi Adegoke, and Marsha de Cordova.A representative for BCU previously stated that a little number of postgraduate courses would be cut because of low demand, however that existing trainees would have the ability to complete their research studies. The university also said it was speaking with afflicted personnel and”checking out chances for alternative provision “.