Institutional Racism in the Academy: A Case Study

Institutional racism is shown to account for significant continuities in the approach of universities to race equality, yet race in higher education is an under-researched area. This empirical research study found unremitting reluctance by the university to identify race equality as a priority and to take appropriate action. This position persisted throughout the study because of what has been called 'the sheer weight of whiteness'. The stance of the university towards racism was highlighted by a comparison between Midshire University and Midshire Police. The study found contrasts between the occupational cultures of the two organisations, but it revealed surprising parallels in their approaches to race equality, which stemmed in both from a taken for granted white norm. The book draws out the implications of this analysis for policy makers, practitioners and lecturers who are concerned to promote racial equality in education and to combat racism. The book is intended for policy makers, managers, students, practitioners and academics who are concerned to investigate and challenge racism in education.