Institutional Racism in the Academy

Universities, like other public organizations, are often said to be characterized by institutional racism. This book explores how policy makers and practitioners in universities have sought to promote race equality over the past decade. The author shows that institutional racism accounts for significant continuities in the approach of universities to race equality. Throughout the period studied, there was reluctance to identify race equality as a priority and to take appropriate action because of what has been called #xE2;#xAC;Sthe sheer weight of whiteness#xE2;#xAC;. A comparison of Midshire University with Midshire Police reinforced this perception. Contrasts were found between the occupational cultures of the two organizations but the research revealed surprising parallels in their approaches to race equality as in both these stemmed from a taken-for-granted white norm. The book draws out the implications of this analysis for policy makers, practitioners and lecturers who promote racial equality in education.