London fashion students call for anti-racism in higher education

The graduating class of the University of Westminster's 2020 MA in Menswear has called for anti-racist higher education in their end-of-year video.

This graduating class produced the following statement: "Fashion education has a duty of care to accept and support black people, and needs to commit to introduce contextualised cultural learning objectives to inform the future cohorts entering the industry. 

"Education needs a reform. The lack of BAME [Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic] educators in higher education establishments isn't reflective of the multicultural society either. It starts from within. We demand anti-racist education." 

READ MORE: Anna Wintour finally admits Vogue hasn’t done enough for black people in its 128-year existence

Masters graduate in the class of 2020, designer Halina Edwards, says. "I like the idea of storytelling this message frequently and if it's not clothing maybe through posters I do or zines or 3D work or my textiles, understanding these cultures, these backgrounds and showing my point of view in storytelling necessary."

She adds, "Education is needed to create reform in terms of how we treat people, how we look after people. I guess just being more knowledgeable about different cultures will help eradicate this prejudice."

Compiled by Phelokazi Mbude

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our stories and giveaway.