Making #blacklivesmatter in universities: a viewpoint on social policy education

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint article is to consider the #BlackLivesMatter movement within the Aboriginal Australian struggle for equality, sovereignty and human rights. Indigenous sovereignty has been threatened throughout Australia's history of colonization. We provide a viewpoint and recommendations for social policy education and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

We provide commentary and interpretation based upon the lived experience of Black, Indigenous and Other People of Color (BIPOC) co-authors, co-authors who are Allies, extant literature and practice wisdom as social policy educators.

Findings

Universities are sources of knowledge production, transmission and consumption within society. We provide critical recommendations for what social policy education within universities can address human rights and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Originality/value

Culturally responsive inclusion for BIPOC has only just begun in Australia and globally within the context of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. This paper adds critical conversation and recommendations for what social policy programs might do better to achieve universities' teaching and learning missions.

Citation

Bennett, B., Ravulo, J.J., Ife, J. and Gates, T.G. (2021), "Making #blacklivesmatter in universities: a viewpoint on social policy education", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 41 No. 11/12, pp. 1257-1263. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-11-2020-0512