Welcome to our September update from Equality & Diversity UK.
This month, we reflect on the challenges we see emerging across the UK – growing division, hostility, and systemic barriers that directly affect the communities we serve. The rise in racism, ableism, and exclusion is deeply concerning. Yet, even in difficult times, there are reasons for hope: collective voices speaking out, educators committed to inclusion, and communities showing courage and resilience.
In this issue, we bring you:
- Our statement on the increase in racism and hostility across the UK
- Breaking Barriers – a spotlight on Black neurodivergent learners
- Community resilience projects and EDUK’s ongoing role in training and support
- Why education must be at the heart of building fairer futures
.
EDUK Statement: Division, Racism & Hostility
At EDUK, we are deeply concerned about the current climate in the UK. Far-right mobilisation, racist incidents, and the normalisation of xenophobic rhetoric are on the rise.
These threats are not abstract; they impact real lives. Just recently, reports emerged of a 9-year-old Black girl in Bristol who was the victim of a racially motivated attack involving an airsoft gun. Such incidents highlight the direct harm of racist rhetoric and the trauma it leaves behind.
Many Black and Brown people are now frightened to leave their homes or fearful of harassment in schools, workplaces, and local communities.
We are clear:
- Racism in any form harms us all – whether on the streets, in schools, in workplaces, or within policy.
- Unity cannot be built on scapegoating. It must be built through truth-telling, accountability, and solidarity.
- Silence is not an option. Leaders, educators, employers, and institutions must act with courage.
.
Breaking Barriers: Supporting Black Neurodivergent Learners
Education should be a pathway to opportunity, but for too many Black neurodivergent learners, it remains a system of barriers.
The Gaps
- Under-identification: Black children with SEND are too often mislabelled as “disruptive” instead of supported.
- Exclusions: Black Caribbean pupils are nearly 3x more likely to be permanently excluded than their white peers. For neurodivergent Black learners, the risk is even higher.
- Diagnosis delays: Black children with autism or ADHD are diagnosed later, missing vital early support.
- Employment outcomes: Only 30% of autistic adults are in work in the UK – with rates even lower for Black autistic adults.
The Everyday Reality
- Admissions clouded by bias.
- Behaviour misinterpreted due to racial stereotypes.
- Executive functioning struggles, framed as “lack of discipline.”
- Exams that privilege handwriting speed and rote recall, overlooking creative or verbal reasoning.
- A lack of mentors and role models who share identity and experience.
“Must Dos” for Change
- Culturally aware early identification of SEND.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – multiple ways to learn and demonstrate knowledge.
- Representation and role models – amplifying Black neurodivergent voices.
- Safe and inclusive participation spaces.
- Tailored transition support – mentoring, apprenticeships, clear pathways into employment.
- Accountability and data – setting measurable goals for change.
At EDUK, we are embedding these strategies into our training, resources, and guidance for schools, colleges, and employers.
.
Building Resilience & Community Power
Alongside our training and consultancy, we continue to champion spaces where equality and inclusion can thrive. We are proud to see more schools, multi-academy trusts, and organisations adopting our frameworks for anchoring EDI into everyday practice (5Cs/5Ps Frameworks and FREDDIE Principles) and attending our courageous conversations about Race evening sessions (next one is 28 October) and embedding equity into their everyday practice.
By working together, we can dismantle barriers and build resilient, empowered communities.
Education as Transformation
As John Dewey once said:
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
For Black neurodivergent learners, this means education must be more than inclusion on paper. It must be intentional, equitable, and transformative. At EDUK, we are committed to ensuring schools, colleges, and workplaces are equipped to deliver this change.
.
Final Word
These are testing times. But through compassion, courage, and collaboration, we can create systems that do not exclude but empower.
EDUK remains committed to supporting leaders, educators, employers, and communities to ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion are not just principles – but lived realities.