The recent decision by Birmingham City University (BCU) to axe its Black studies MA program has sparked a heated debate and an outpouring of support from academics, writers, and activists worldwide. This move, coming on the heels of the controversial closure of the undergraduate Black studies course in 2024, has raised concerns about the erasure of Black scholarship in UK higher education.
The situation is particularly concerning given the involvement of Prof Kehinde Andrews, a renowned commentator and pioneer of BCU's Black studies program. Andrews and four colleagues were informed of the decision to close the MA program just 24 hours before the meeting, with no prior consultation with staff or students. This lack of transparency and consultation has led Andrews to describe the university's conduct as "deeply flawed" and potentially discriminatory.
Andrews' concerns are not unfounded. The financial crisis engulfing UK universities has led to widespread cost-cutting measures, but there are claims that these cuts are disproportionately affecting Black scholarship. The case of Prof Hakim Adi, who was made redundant by the University of Chichester in 2023, is cited as an example of this trend. Adi's MRes on the history of Africa and the African diaspora was cut, with the university describing it as a cost-saving measure.
The signatories to the open letter, which includes Prof Kalwant Bhopal, Yomi Adegoke, Akala, Marsha de Cordova, and Nicola Rollock, argue that the closure of the BCU MA course is an attempt to reinforce Eurocentric knowledge and Whiteness, silencing Black students and academics from challenging structural, institutional, and individual acts of racism in higher education. They claim that this follows a pattern of previous course closures and is an attack on Black intellectual scholarship, reinforcing White privilege.
The university's response, however, is that the decision to withdraw the Black studies MA course is due to low demand. A university spokesperson stated that a review of the postgraduate portfolio led to the decision, and that current students will be able to complete their studies. However, the university is also exploring alternative provision for affected staff and students, and a consultation process is underway to discuss the impact of the course closures and explore reasonable options to minimize roles at risk.
This situation raises deeper questions about the value and importance of Black studies in higher education. It also highlights the need for a more inclusive and diverse approach to curriculum development and decision-making in universities. As Andrews writes in his letter to the board, "When we do manage to offer such courses they should be nurtured, not stamped out at the earliest opportunity."
In my opinion, the closure of the BCU Black studies MA program is a significant setback for Black scholarship in the UK. It is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for representation and recognition of Black intellectual thought in higher education. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for universities to reevaluate their priorities and ensure that their decisions are made with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
