LJMU and Unite Students host inaugural 'Living Black at University' symposium

Staff, students and colleagues from both the higher education and student accommodation sectors met at LJMU this month for the first 'Living Black at University: Research Into Action' Symposium. The event, jointly organised by LJMU and Unite Students, examined the findings of Unite's 2022 report 'Living Black at University (LBU)'.

The research explores the experiences of Black students living in university accommodations and private halls of residence. While its findings are challenging, the report sets out several recommendations and calls for universities and accommodation providers to work in partnership to ensure that Black students and those from other ethnically diverse backgrounds have an equally positive experience at university as their White peers. In response to these findings, a Living Black at University Commission has been established to drive these recommendations nationally.

Drawing over 50 professionals from across the Liverpool City Region and beyond, including academics, Professional Services staff, and accommodation professionals, the LJMU x Unite Students symposium provided a platform to discuss their experiences and practices in the Liverpool context.

Phil Bakstad (Associate Dean: Diversity and Inclusion) commented: "There is a clear link between students feeling a sense of belonging and inclusion where they live and success in their studies. This event is the start of an ongoing conversation between HEIs and accommodation providers in Liverpool on how we can collaborate to drive forward positive change and eliminate racist behaviours and practices not only on campus and in halls but in all spaces across the city".

You can read the full Living Black at University report here.