NewsEducationEducation NewsStudents at Cambridge college told to complete anti-racism lesson

Wolfson College freshers ordered to attend Zoom lecture on ‘microaggressions’, according to a report

Jon SharmanTuesday 16 November 2021 08:37 comments Article bookmarked

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Don't show me this message again✕ ✕Close

Related video: 'What is racism'? Burnley players Mee and Bickett launch anti-racism book for children

First-year University of Cambridge students have reportedly been told to attend anti-racism seminars.

Freshers at Woldson College were told to complete the course, which covers “microaggressions” and how “whiteness is centric” in society.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that all new students at Wolfson College were expected to attend the mandatory sessions over Zoom.

They were told complimenting someone on the quality of their spoken English could make them feel devalued, according to the paper.

A further slide in a Powerpoint presentation The Sunday Telegraph said it had obtained told students: “In society whiteness [is] centric.

Recommended

• Student loan information to make clearer parental help may be needed
• Oxford University accused of ‘total moral failure’ over Mosley family donations
• Around 248,000 pupils off school due to Covid in week before half-term

“This involves whiteness being seen as the ‘default’ race and everyone else being an ‘other’.”

The Independent has contacted Wolfson College for comment.

Last year, at a different Cambridge college, dons were forced to apologise to a black masters student who was stopped from entering until a white friend vouched for him.

Collin Edouard – who was studying at Wolfson – was “grabbed” by a porter as he tried to enter St Catherine’s College.

He told The Independent he felt the incident demonstrated an “implicit bias” faced by black students at Cambridge.

More aboutUniversity Of Cambridge Join our new commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

View comments {"currentIndex":0}1/1Students at Cambridge college told to complete anti-racism lesson Students at Cambridge college told to complete anti-racism lesson

Powerpoint claimed ‘whiteness is centric’ in UK

Google Street View

✕Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

SubscribeAlready subscribed? Log inMost popular{{#link}}{{title}}{{/link}}Popular videos{{#link}} {{title}}{{/link}} Trending{{#path}}{{title}}{{/path}}{"items":[{"title":"Study shows the Olympics is most LGBTQIA+ friendly sporting event ever","link":"https://conversations.indy100.com/olympics-2021-lgbtqia-sporting-event","image":"https://conversations.indy100.com/media-library/ireen-wust-of-netherlands-competes-in-the-1500m-ladies-race-during-day-4-of-the-isu-world-speed-skating-championships-at-thialf-arena-on-february-14-2021-in-heerenveen-netherlands.jpgid=27078504"},{"title":"The best ways to show people closest to you that they are heard and appreciated","link":"https://conversations.indy100.com/appreciation-care-loved-ones-communication","image":"https://conversations.indy100.com/media-library/strong-relationships-necessitate-open-lines-of-communication.jpgid=27091833"},{"title":"Peta and Staffies: Why the call to eradicate the breed has to end","link":"https://conversations.indy100.com/peta-staffies-breeding-eradication-ban","image":"https://conversations.indy100.com/media-library/staffordshire-bull-terrier.jpgid=25674671"},{"title":"The challenges of summertime parenting - from brain freeze to sandy cars","link":"https://conversations.indy100.com/summertime-parenting","image":"https://conversations.indy100.com/media-library/image.jpgid=26576169"},{"title":"The Top 3 Worst Questions I've Been Asked As A Parent","link":"https://conversations.indy100.com/worst-questions-to-ask-parents","image":"https://conversations.indy100.com/media-library/never-comment-on-a-pregnant-woman-s-size-especially-if-she-has-a-sword.jpgid=26605287"}]}Featured{{#link}}{{title}}{{/link}}Sponsored Features{{#link}}{{title}}{{/link}}Voucher CodesVery Discount CodeSave up to 30% on electricals at VeryBooking Com Discounts20% or more off bed & breakfast stays around the UKDebenhams Discount Code£2 Delivery on all Standard or Next Day orders - Debenhams discount codeAliexpress Promo CodeEnjoy $3 off all $30 orders using our AliExpress promo codeeBay Discount Code20% off selected sellers with this eBay discount code