University of Salford welcomes Dr Neville Lawrence OBE for special listening and learning event

Dr Neville Lawrence shared his insights, experiences and learning following Stephen's death in 1993, with staff, students and distinguished external guests on Thursday 4 May. His personal account brought home the devastating impact of racism and the profound effect that it had on a family, a city, the police and the whole nation.

The event was an opportunity to reflect and take away learning that will enable us as a University to make progress on our journey to becoming an anti-racist institution, and students were encouraged to use the learning from the day in their own personal development. 

Pradeep Passi, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, chaired the event and said: "It was a real privilege for our University community to welcome Dr Lawrence to come and share with us his insights, experiences and learning following the racist murder of his son Stephen in 1993.

"Dr Lawrence’s very personal account brought home the devastating impact of racism and the very profound effect that it had on a family, a city, the police and the whole nation. There is always more that we can learn about racism, its impact and how we move forward and it is important that as a University community we continue to have those conversations and take action that moves us forward in advancing equity."

Victoria Gregson, Lecturer in Policing and Programme Lead for the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) for Police Constables in Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: "The Pre-Join Degree, PCDA & DHEP Policing courses are hallmarked by their commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

"For us, welcoming Dr Neville Lawrence and John Azah OBE, was critical to not only raising awareness, but to maintain a focus through all sessions and courses about the harms of racism and the importance of active allyship."

Stephen Lawrence Day takes place on 22 April and this year marks the 30th anniversary. A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report, which has been called ‘one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain’.

It led to profound cultural changes in attitudes to racism, to the law and to police practice. It also paved the way for a greater understanding of discrimination of all forms and new equalities legislation.