Masterclass against racism and discrimination

“We should measure anti-racist policies not by their intentions, but by their outcomes.” With this message, Professor Ibram X. Kendi emphasized the importance of real change during the international masterclass From Awareness to Action, held at The Hague University of Applied Sciences on 28 October. In the run-up to the fifth UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination, UNESCO and the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism (NCDR) brought together students and staff to reflect on racism, discrimination, and inclusion. 

Professor Ibram X. Kendi, Professor of History at Howard University (USA) and internationally renowned for his work on racism and anti-racism, delivered the keynote address. He discussed topics including the impact of racist ideas, the rise of authoritarian movements, and the role policy can play in either reinforcing or dismantling inequality. 

The role of education: Learning to recognize and take action 

During the opening of the event, Willem van Nieuwkerk (Director of BRV) also highlighted the responsibility of educational institutions. “Students must learn to recognize discrimination, especially when it is embedded in systems, habits, and seemingly neutral decisions. This requires a safe environment where they can examine their own assumptions and develop the confidence to speak up against discrimination.” 

Change starts close to home 

For Tanush Soni, a third-year Public Policy student, and Nasrin Ahmad, a Public Administration student, that responsibility took on a personal dimension during the masterclass. Both work as student assistants at the Inclusion Office and had the opportunity to speak directly with Professor Kendi. 

One of Tanush’s key takeaways was: “You do not have to be someone like Professor Kendi to create change. You can do that at a local level, starting within your own community.” 

The connections he made during the workshops also left a strong impression and inspired him to make a positive difference for others. 

Nasrin was particularly moved by Professor Kendi’s message that policies should be evaluated based on their outcomes. As a future policymaker, she hopes to contribute to an environment where safe and open dialogue is encouraged. “Before we develop policies, we need to create space for conversations and actively use dialogue as a tool.” 

The experiences of both students reflected the message Willem emphasized in his opening remarks: “This work only has meaning if people genuinely feel at home and welcome here.”