As some of you may be aware, the acronym BAME has invited many conversations and thoughts for and against being used to represent our non-white peers. The truth is it will be very difficult to find a name and acronym that can represent the diverse histories and cultures of Britain’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities.
Our Network within the University of Southampton will always endeavour to represent our community in the best way it can, and the name is an important part of this. As such the UoS BAME Staff Network Committee has considered and arrived at options for a new name, which members and colleagues have contributed to.
This has been a very useful exercise to understand members thoughts and preferences regarding the network’s identity. The responses showed that Race, Ethnicity And Cultural Heritage (REACH) was the clear preferred name and the network has now adopted it.
The Network hopes this small but important change will help it in reaching out more effectively to hear, understand and be a voice for members and peers and a place of community for those that wish to join.
For more information or to become a UoS REACH Staff Network member or ally please email [email protected] or visit our SharePoint site.
