Understanding Racism

We were thrilled to welcome Dr Pragya Agarwal and Angela Saini to speak to our pupils, staff and partner schools about racism and unconscious bias.

In our first Speaker Series event in lockdown, the award-winning writers joined us via Zoom to deliver an informative and inspiring online talk and Q&A.

In her critically-acclaimed book, Sway, Unravelling Unconscious Bias, behavioural scientist Dr Agarwal explains that even though we like to believe we are fair-minded and egalitarian, we all carry biases that we might not even be aware of.  She spoke with science journalist Angela Saini, whom we first welcomed as a Speaker Series guest in 2017, when she discussed her research into gender inequality. Her latest book, Superior, explores the murky history of race science, looking at how racism still pervades academia and suggests ways to help to tackle it.

Referencing their research and citing tangible examples, they discussed the subtle and multifaceted ways that racism is manifested in every day life. They explored how the system of disadvantage has become so deeply entrenched, both culturally and socially, and how best to overcome its pernicious persistence. As well as recommending books and websites for further reading, their conversation focused on the importance of self-reflection, the value in creating a non-judgmental space for constructive dialogue, and the need to critically analyse all the information we receive.

We are very grateful to them both for sharing their insight and expertise on an important and timely issue is such a reasoned, engaging way. The talk galvanised the school community to not only reflect on what more we can do to promote equality and diversity, but also to continue this vital conversation – with candour, scrutiny and courage.