Monday 2 February - Sunday 8 February
#ChangeNeedsAllOfUs
This year's Race Equality Week theme is #ChangeNeedsAllOfUS, emphasising the power and influence we can have together. At UCASU, our values guide us: "Together, we build a place for everyone". We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all. But commitment means action and moving beyond words to create meaningful change in our everyday interactions and culture.
84% of people from ethnically diverse backgrounds experience micro-aggressions in the workplace, yet only 16% of these incidents are called out. 73% of people report having their names mispronounced, making them feel like they don't belong. For students or staff, this silence around race inequality can feel isolating.
What Is a Micro-Aggression?
Micro-aggressions can seem small to those who don't experience them, but can have a huge impact. Comments like "Where are you really from?" or "You're so articulate!" may appear minor, but they send a message about who belongs and who doesn't. By repeatedly mispronouncing someone's name, you are denying them the respect we are all entitled to.
How Can We Take Action
This Race Equality Week, we are sharing two ways everyone can become an active ally:
1. If you hear it, don't ignore it
If you hear something that could be a micro-aggression, you can make a difference by asking one of the following simple questions:
- "May I just check what you meant by that?"
- "Could you please clarify what you mean?"
- "I'm a bit confused. Could you explain a bit more?"
This approach helps alleviate the responsibility from those experiencing harm to all of us who want to build a more inclusive community
2. Getting names right
Getting someone's name right is a basic form of respect. You can help by:
- Adding phonetic spelling to your email signature (e.g. "Ngoc Nguyen [nock" 'WIN]")
- Asking people how to pronounce their name and actively listening
- Don’t focus on how unfamiliar you are with their name, thank them for letting you know how to pronounce it and move on
- Making the effort instead of saying "I'll never get it right, so I'll call you…"
- If you hear someone mispronounce someone's name, be an ally and correct them gently
Becoming an Active Ally
89% of people say they would call out racism or microaggressions, but only 9% actually do. Why?
- Lack of confidence
- Not sure how
- Not knowing what to say
- Fear of consequences
Active allies don't wait for someone else to speak up, they use their voice to show support and begin the movement in creating the change we all want to see. Change needs us all to take brave steps, not just those directly affected.