Dr Nilu Ahmed

Devastated to hear of Prof Suman Fernando's passing. As a psychology postgrad discovering his work almost made me weep realising all the questions in my head were legitimate. It was the first time I read about race in mental health. I'd never been taught it. A truly gentle & generous person.

This image depicts findings from my Decolonising the Dental Curriculum study which was coproduced with students. Over 100 staff and students participated in this mixed methods study. This image shows a circle with 'sense of belonging' in the middle and it has smaller circles connected to signify intersectionality. It describes the lack of belonging for students of colour at Bristol Dental School. The themes are: Lack of role models/representation- predominantly white staff. Racism from peers, staff and patients Lack of support in reporting racism - many felt that it was brushed away and indeed no formal complaints of racism exist despite many reports Islamophobia - staff making comments like "I wish you would wear different colour headscarves so I could tell you apart" Lack of cultural inclusion - students felt that their cultures were not acceptable Fixed pathway to dentistry - students spoke about rigid entry requirements that favoured those with the right connections Social class - students spoke about how there was a rejection of those from poorer backgrounds Lack of culturally inclusive teaching - all materials and teaching was Eurocentric

In research coproduced with Bristol dental students 19% of non white students said they had little or no sense of belonging and cited the reasons in the image below.
Need to find some time to publish these findings, but if you are interested in finding out more please get in touch!

I worked on the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse – here’s what Elon Musk is missing An expert lays out the facts about child sexual abuse in the UK and online.

An important piece from @WilliamTantam on the reality and dangers of misinformation about child sexual abuse. Racialising CSA will only lead to fewer investigations of abusers and allow abusers to continue undetected, as it 'couldn't possibly be them'.

theconversation.com/i-worked-on-...

Students organised a Christmas Dinner that celebrated traditional Christmas foods but with halal ingredients. This image shows the beautiful table set up they had with a black and gold theme. I was very humbled to be invited

I was incredibly humbled to be invited to the 'Christmas Dinner' some students organised with halal ingredients. It was lovely for our home British students to share foods and Xmas traditions with students who have never experienced a Christmas dinner. This is inclusion and integration 4/4

Dropping 'Christmas' is a classic example of performative inclusion that takes no action and actively drives exclusion by giving fodder to racists. For many students (esp international students) and staff being able to participate in Christmas festivities would be welcome and joyful. 3/4

My students asked me why if Bristol is such a diverse and inclusive city/uni there were no provisions for halal turkey as part of Xmas celebrations so they could take part in Xmas festivities and meals?
I told them I had been asking the same to Uni EDI committees since before they were born! 2/4

Less than half the UK population identify as Christmas so most people celebrate it as a cultural holiday. Most Muslims love Christmas-we don't want it banned. Not sure who the renaming of Christmas events as 'Winter' is for - but it is definitely not for/by/or with Muslims 1/4

Greg Wallace is indicative of how racists & bullies get away for years in workplaces. HR simply has 'a word' with the abuser.
There are so many known racists & bullies in Higher Education that have acted with the same impunity for years with senior people very aware of the harm done.

‘The biggest Day of Action yet’: What you can do for Palestine at work Workers are organising actions across the country, many for the first time, in solidarity with Palestine and to...

Loads of workplace actions across the UK in support of Palestine workers and people. www.stopwar.org.uk/article/the-...
Protests supported by TUC and affiliates like @unison.org.uk @ucu.org.uk and others.

#solidarity
@epsu.bsky.social

Ceasefire NOW! UCU joins with many others in Palestine, the UK, and beyond to reiterate the demands for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unrestricted access to humanit...

We're supporting the week of action United Against Scholasticide #workplaces4palestine

From 23-30 November:

✊ Educate and raise awareness
✊Join the workplace day of action 28 November
✊Send a message of solidarity

Find out more and get involved 👇
ucu.org.uk/CeasefireNow

Red letters on white background: National culture walkout. Answering the call of Palestinian workers. Thu 28 Nov 5.00pm

On Thursday, 28th November at 5pm, arts workers are joining the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s call for a National Workplace Day of Action in Solidarity with Palestine. This is a sector-wide expression of solidarity. One in London, and one in Glasgow.

It is absolutely the case that since Higher Education has embarked on its decolonial agenda the experiences of students and staff of colour have become worse than ever. The colonising of decolonising by white staff in Higher Education is at best confusing and at worst dangerous.

Ed Sheeran says he didn't give Band Aid 40 permission to use his vocals Ed Sheeran is one of the voices on the new "ultimate" Band Aid mix, alongside Sting, Boy George, Harry Styles, Rita Ora and the Sugababes. The singers are backed by a house band that includes Paul McC...

A great example of growth. Ed Sheeran understands the problems of imperial benevolence and white saviourism in the romanticised trope of sending aid to Africa.

news.sky.com/story/ed-she...

The stereotype “passive” Asian woman exists only because hidden histories of 🇬🇧 activist women of colour are never mainstreamed. Jayaben Desai and many others fought fearlessly for the rights we have today. #WomensRights

Muslims face ‘bleak and dystopian’ climate in UK, says head of thinktank Shabna Begum says racist riots will return if Islamophobia continues being ‘an acceptable currency’ in politics

"a hostile climate for British Muslims that is “bleak and dystopian”
This is true for Muslim students and staff in UK Higher Education, and it will almost certainly get worse.

www.theguardian.com/news/2024/no...