[Responsible-digital-futures] The need for Anti-Racism in UK Universities

[Suchith Anand]

Dear colleagues,


I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic death of Professor Jason
Arday. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues,
and students. Much love and solidarity to all Black and Brown sisters and
brothers in the face of this ugly racism.


The level of harassment that Jason suffered and the racism he was subjected
to has been sickening and must be investigated. The press, wider media
circles and the University of Cambridge have so much to answer for. Jason’s
death should be a wake-up call for higher education worldwide, forcing us
to confront the structural racism, unequal scrutiny, exclusion, and lack of
compassion that still persist within academia and wider society.


There are many questions that University of Cambridge have to answer. I was
shocked to read this article by Byline Times raising serious concerns about
the safeguarding of students and foreign influence at Cambridge University.
Details at
https://bylinetimes.com/2026/07/09/peter-thiel-and-reform-uks-cambridge-university-pipeline-project/


Why is the Office of Students and the UK Government not investigating the
University of Cambridge?


I am an opponent of racism in science and academia. It is sad fact that
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students are suffering racial
discrimination in silence for many years in UK universities. There is a
huge pressure to hide racial discrimination, bullying, harassment under the
carpet and silence colleagues who raise these issues. I am grateful to the
International Science Council for giving me the courage to share about
racial discrimination that I had to suffer over 10 years during my early
career at a UK university. I decided to share my experience so that in
future colleagues and students don’t suffer racism.  Details at
https://council.science/current/blog/no-problem-is-too-big-combating-discrimination-in-geospatial-science/


In March 2023, I have emailed an Open Letter on *“Racism in UK
Universities”* to the Vice Chancellors of all UK universities, Research
Funders, Russell Group, Universities UK to look into the issue of racial
discrimination happening in many universities in the UK as it is affecting
thousands of Black and minority ethnic staff and students.   Details at
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-racism-uk-universities-suchith-anand


*Open Letter on REF 2029 - Research Culture  *
https://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/geoforall/2025-September/006617.html


We must continue Professor Jason Arday's important work to provide
opportunities to more people from disadvantaged backgrounds and truly
democratise higher education. This includes developing anti-racist
strategies in higher education.


I want to publicly express my gratitude and admiration to all Black and
Global Majority colleagues who I work with and learn from everyday.  Your
work and wisdom makes our society better. Thank you.


“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi


Let’s build a world beyond racism and discrimination, where we all exercise
our human rights. Be a human rights champion!


Suchith
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