Keep it short, and clear and include a call to action. These headings might help…

Who we are? 

We are African / Caribbean MRes and PhD students studying the History of Africa and the African Diaspora. We are the largest cohort of Black students specialising in this underrepresented subject matter in the UK. 

Summary - Following the unfair dismissal of our award-winning Professor, Hakim Adi, and the unjust suspension of our Masters course in the History of Africa and the African Diaspora, we have been left without specialist supervision and in a state of uncertainty since July 2023. The impact of these actions has been and continues to be traumatic and distressing to all of us. We have exhausted all official channels, seeking a solution that respects our educational aspirations. 

Call to action - Instead of pursuing our passion, we are fighting a legal battle to hold the University of Chichester to account. Despite following official procedures and presenting our case tirelessly, the university has refused to reconsider its unjust course of action. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will empower us to continue our fight to reclaim our educational future. 

What are we trying to achieve? 

We are taking legal action against the University of Chichester alleging discrimination and breach of contract after it terminated a groundbreaking programme in the History of Africa and the African Diaspora while we were part way through our studies.

We were either studying for the Master’s by Research (MRes), History of Africa and the African Diaspora programme, or conducting research for a PhD. The programme is unique in Europe and attracts students from all over the world, as well as many from the UK. It was led by Professor Hakim Adi, one of the UK’s pre-eminent historians and the first African-British historian to become a Professor of History in the UK. Professor Adi was shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize in 2023.

Despite the course’s highly respected reputation, it was suspended without warning in July 2023 on the basis that it was no longer viable, but without any consultation.

For the purposes of Equality Act 2010 (EqA) protection, the students and their programme lead Professor Adi, share a protected characteristic of race in line with section 9 of Equality Act 2010.  Our causes of action are:

• Discrimination
• Direct and Indirect Discrimination – Rationale for Course Suspension
• Breach of Public Sector Equality Duty – Treatment of the cohort during the course suspension process
• Discrimination in the provision of services and education, and
• Breach of Contract

What is the next step in the case? - Our fight for justice and education just got tougher. The university's tactics are clear, exhaust our campaign and force us to give up the fight. Every donation empowers us to keep fighting, securing our right to an education and holding the university accountable. Don't let their strategy prevail– donate today and champion the MRes & PhD students' rights!

How much we are raising and why? £2,500 - £5,000

We cannot thank you enough for your support - it will change our lives and those who come after us.