Goldsmiths University has promised a consultation on how students from ethnic minorities are treated in a bid to end a three-week occupation of Deptford Town Hall.
Students from Goldsmiths Anti-Racist Action have occupied the university building since March 12 in protest against alleged racist abuse of a candidate during the student union elections.
The group said it would not leave the town hall until the university met its demands, including a strategic plan to tackle racism on campus and the removal of statues of figures that are considered “colonisers.”
It has also called for support staff including security guards and cleaners to be brought in-house as employees of the university.
READ MORE: Anti-racist student occupation in Deptford Town Hall against Goldsmiths
Almost three weeks after the occupation began, the management team at Goldsmiths has promised a review of how students from BAME backgrounds are treated and how complaints of racism are dealt with.
A statement from the university said it would “conduct a comprehensive institution-wide audit of the experience of BAME students and staff.”
It also promised to address “examples of race inequality and racial harassment, and any examples of historical financial benefit from slavery.”
The university argues that interpretations of the “coloniser” statues differ between researchers and has called for a wider consultation with community members about how they view the figures.
It has promised to bring in community groups and Lewisham Council in a consultation about how to address concerns about the design of the Grade II listed building.
According to the university, negotiations about working conditions and employment terms are ongoing to bring 80 cleaning staff in-house with a target date of May 1.
READ MORE: Goldsmiths cleaners could become university staff after campaign
In a letter addressed to Goldsmiths Anti-Racist Action, the university said: “The college has a tradition of understanding itself as an organisation that actively works to address inequalities, through our teaching, research and other activity.”
It added that rebuilding trust in the university will be “a slow process that will require understanding, potential risk and compromise on both sides.”
News Shopper has contacted Goldsmiths Anti-Racist Action for a response to the commitments.
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