Birmingham City University urged not to axe Black studies MA

More than 100 academics, writers and activists from around the world have signed an open letter condemning plans to close an MA in Black studies and global justice at Birmingham City University (BCU), just months after it was first launched. The move follows the controversial closure of BCU’s undergraduate course in Black studies in 2024 , and has prompted 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, a leading commentator who pioneered the development of BCU’s Black studies programme. Andrews said he and four colleagues were called into a meeting with just 24 hours’ notice to be told that a decision had been taken in February to close down the MA. The university has blamed low recruitment. Eight students are currently on the MA course. Andrews added: “The MA only started this year, so they have given it a few months before deciding to cut it, with zero consultation with staff or students. They have also admitted to not completing an equality impact assessment.” He told the Guardian: “It really is about erasure. The university should be ashamed.” Andrews has now written an open letter to the university’s board of governors, calling for the decision to be reviewed. He claims the conduct of the university and its decision-making are “deeply flawed” and potentially discriminatory. …