Birmingham city university axes black studies program – a dangerous echo?
The sudden termination of the MA in Black Studies and Global Justice at Birmingham City University has ignited a firestorm of criticism, spearheaded by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, who brands it an ‘escalating assault’ on Black scholarship.
A critical space silenced
Crenshaw, a leading voice in critical race theory, delivered a stark warning during her UK book tour, echoing concerns about a broader trend of systematic dismantling of Black Studies programs across the United States – a chilling parallel now playing out in the UK. The program, launched just months prior, was abruptly shut down due to ‘low student recruitment,’ a justification met with immediate skepticism from academics and activists.
More than just numbers
But the decision goes far beyond a simple enrollment shortfall. As Prof. Kehinde Andrews, a pioneer of the program, pointed out, this isn’t merely a cost-cutting exercise. He described it as a “direct attack on the production of critical knowledge,” a deliberate attempt to stifle voices and perspectives vital to understanding contemporary society. The community built around this program, renowned globally for its rigorous research and diverse student body, is now facing erasure – a devastating blow to intellectual inquiry.
The move follows the controversial closure of the university’s undergraduate Black Studies program in 2024, fueling fears that systemic cost-cutting disproportionately impacts Black scholarship. The university’s spokesperson offered assurances of continued student support, but this feels like a hollow gesture in the face of such a fundamental attack.
A powerful open letter, signed by figures like Akala, Yomi Adegoke, and Marsha de Cordova, is demanding a reconsideration of this short-sighted decision. It’s a testament to the program’s significance and the deep concern felt within the academic and cultural communities. The university is reportedly consulting staff and exploring alternative provisions – a process, critics argue, that lacks genuine engagement with those most affected.
Crenshaw’s statement underscored the urgent need to preserve the historical contributions, lived experiences, and ongoing debates within Black Studies, asserting that “it remains absolutely essential that the truth regarding the history, contributions, perspectives and lived experiences of Black people in Britain and across the global diaspora is preserved, taught and championed.” The program's closure represents not just a loss for Birmingham City University, but a significant setback for the pursuit of a more just and equitable world – a chilling reminder of the forces actively seeking to silence marginalized voices.