The recent news of Birmingham City University's (BCU) plans to axe its Master of Arts (MA) in Black Studies and Global Justice has sparked a wave of concern and outrage among academics, writers, and activists worldwide. This development, coming on the heels of the controversial closure of BCU's undergraduate Black Studies course in 2024, raises serious questions about the erosion of Black scholarship in UK higher education. Personally, I find this situation particularly distressing, as it underscores a broader trend of financial crises in UK universities disproportionately affecting Black intellectual thought and scholarship. What makes this issue even more concerning is the apparent lack of consultation and transparency in BCU's decision-making process. According to Prof Kehinde Andrews, a leading commentator and pioneer of BCU's Black Studies program, the university has given the MA course a mere few months to launch before deciding to cut it, with zero consultation with staff or students. This raises a deeper question about the values and priorities of BCU's leadership. In my opinion, the university's decision to close the MA course without adequate consultation and consideration of its impact is deeply flawed and potentially discriminatory. The fact that five Black members of staff, including Prof Andrews, are at risk of redundancy further highlights the disproportionate impact of these cuts on Black scholars and intellectuals. The open letter signed by over 100 academics, writers, and activists from around the world underscores the gravity of this issue. The signatories, including Prof Kalwant Bhopal, Yomi Adegoke, Akala, and Nicola Rollock, argue that the closure of the BCU MA course signifies a turn towards reinforcing Eurocentric knowledge and Whiteness, silencing Black students and academics from challenging structural, institutional, and individual acts of racism in higher education. What many people don't realize is that the erosion of Black scholarship in UK universities is not an isolated incident. The case of Prof Hakim Adi, who was made redundant by the University of Chichester in 2023, is a worrying trend. In the US, there is an ongoing attack on Black intellectual thought, while in the UK, the bigger problem is neglect. When such courses are offered, they should be nurtured, not stamped out at the earliest opportunity. From my perspective, the closure of the BCU MA course is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Black scholars and intellectuals in UK higher education. It underscores the need for greater awareness, advocacy, and support for Black intellectual thought and scholarship. The financial crisis in UK universities is a complex issue, and it is essential to recognize that cuts to Black scholarship are not a mere coincidence. As we move forward, it is crucial to address these issues head-on and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable higher education system that values and supports Black intellectual thought and scholarship.
