Bernardine Evaristo urges Goldsmiths to save Black British literature MA

Bernardine Evaristo has criticised the “amputation” of Black British literature and queer history courses at Goldsmiths University of London, as part of a restructure threatening 130 academic jobs. 

According to the Guardian, Evaristo, along with former students and writers, has urged the institution to reconsider the removal of postgraduate courses after plans were announced to cut the jobs in 11 departments. 

The Booker-winning author criticised the “threat” posed to the world’s first master’s in Black British literature, and urged that it was “protected from cuts at all costs”. 

She told the newspaper: “Compare this with African American literature, which is widely taught at all levels throughout academia in the States…Conversely, British universities have historically only offered token gestures to include Black British writers on the curriculum. 

“Yet this field is expanding exponentially and deserving of focused critical attention, with many talented new writers emerging every day in a continuum that extends back to the slave memoirs of the 18th century. 

“The MA in Black British literature shouldn’t be seen as dispensable but as an essential course that is intellectually and culturally enriching for academia, the college and society.” 

Other writers and industry voices such as publisher and editor Margaret Busby also raised concerns about the future of the master’s in Black British literature. 

Members of Goldsmiths University and College Union (GUCU) have proposed a strike on 19th April. 

Catherine Rottenberg, a professor in the department of media, communications and cultural studies, and a member of the GUCU executive, told the Guardian that the college had “already made huge savings” with a voluntary severance programme and a jobs freeze. 

A spokesperson for the university told the newspaper: “We are consulting on proposals with the union to deal with the unprecedented challenges that Goldsmiths and other universities are facing from a funding system that is no longer fit for purpose. 

“The proposals are part of a wider plan aimed at ensuring that Goldsmiths continues to be a beacon for radical research and innovative teaching as well as an entry point for students who are the first in their family to go to university.” 

They added: “We’re proud to have widened scholastic learning with the introduction of the MAs in Black British literature and queer history and are committed to both protecting and enhancing arts and humanities subjects in the best way we can.”