Goldsmiths University bows to pressure to allow 'racial trauma' as reason to defer exams or essays

Goldsmiths University has bowed to pressure from its student union to incorporate ‘racial trauma’ as a reason to defer essays and exams for people of colour and Black students.

As part of the system overhaul, students have to self-certify with their education department about their experience.

Sara Bafo, President of Goldsmiths Students’ Union tweeted: "The university has agreed to our proposal to incorporate ‘racial trauma’ as a reason to defer essays and exams for Black and PoC students, it will be done through self-certification (moving away from providing so called evidence)."

A tweet from the president of Goldsmiths University.

A statement from Professor Frances Corner, Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “This change relates to our extenuating circumstances policy which enables students to ask us to take into account serious life events when assessing their progress with their studies.

"Categories include medical conditions, trauma, bereavement, court attendance and caring responsibilities. Racial trauma will be added to this."

They added: “Self-certification for this kind of support is common at universities and students are entitled to proper support when the need arises. "A student must submit a detailed statement which is carefully considered by academic departments who then decide an appropriate response.

“Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, with the College committed to providing the best possible support to each of our students.”