London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Black History Month is an annual observance for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. In 2016 we mark Black History Month with a programme of events that focus on RACE@LSHTM and ask the questions: What Do We Teach? How Do We Research? Who Do We Employ?

In the United Kingdom, we have a wealth of cultures, communities, ethnicities, religions and racial categories. This country’s diversity reflects a long-standing history of immigration and integration, as well as more recent social changes.

Measuring this rich mix of diversity has never been straightforward, especially as definitions evolve. However, as we move through periods of interconnectedness and even tension, it is critical that we measure diversity in ways that are sensitive, inclusive, relevant, useful and informative, so that we understand how ethnic minority peoples are represented across British society.

This event will explore how we measure and promote diversity within the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the higher education sector. It features two short presentations, followed by a panel discussion, and is an opportunity for the audience to engage with the concepts and share feedback on how we continue to promote racial equality within higher education.

Progamme

5.30pm – 5.40pm - Presentation on ethnicity in historical surveys by Daisy Payling: The emergence of ethnicity in UK government surveys, such as the 1981 Labour Force Survey and the 1991 Census, and its implications for ethnicity measurement today.  

5.40pm – 5.50pm - Presentation on measuring ethnic diversity at the School by Candice Carboo: How well are we measuring ethnic diversity amongst staff within the School? And what do we do with it? Are the measurement tools we use at LSHTM appropriate for purpose, and how are we using the data generated to dismantle racial hierarchies?

5.50pm – 6.30pm - Panel Discussion with Tinu Cornish (Training & Learning Advisor, Equality Challenge Unit) and Hilary Lowe (former Equality & Diversity Manager, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)

Other events in the series include:

• Race in Epidemiology on Tuesday 11 October
• Screening of Pressure & discussion with Charlie Phillips on Wednesday 12 October 
• On the Sofa: Pathways to Success for Black People on Wednesday 13 October
• Screening of Baseball in the Time of Cholera & discussion on Monday 17 Octobe
• Race, Infections and Zombies: Talk and Film Screening on Tuesday 18 October 
• Intersecting Race & Disability on Tuesday 18 October