Public Talk: The history and development of race equality law in the UK
In this talk, Prof Khaitan will trace the history of the development of anti-racism laws in the UK. He will focus not on law’s (admittedly many) failings, but on its promise and possibilities. The story begins with creative lawyering deployed by the West Indian cricketer Learie Constantine after being denied lodging by the Imperial Hotel in Russell Square. The narrative briefly travels to the United States with Home Secretary Roy Jenkins learning about disparate impact law in the 1970s, the extension of the law’s reach after the Stephen Lawrence inquiry is noted. The lecture will end on an anxious note, citing the current vulnerability of British anti-discrimination law. The law against racism is far from perfect, and has developed in fits and starts, often being dragged reluctantly by activists, lawyers, and politicians. And yet, what has been achieved is not insignificant. The fate of this area of law, as of anything that (howsoever modestly) seeks to challenge power, remains precariously balanced.
Date:
22 October 2021, 17:30
Venue:
Mansfield College, Mansfield Road OX1 3TF
Venue Details:
Sir Joseph Hotung Lecture Theatre, The Hands Building. Disabled access.
Speaker:
Professor Tarunabh Khaitan (University of Oxford)
Organising department:
Mansfield College
Organiser:
Helen Mountfield, QC (Mansfield College)
Organiser contact email address:
development@mansfield.ox.ac.uk
Host:
Helen Mountfield, QC (Mansfield College)
Part of:
Mansfield Public Talks
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/public-talk-the-history-and-development-of-race-equality-law-in-the-uk-tickets-176995748047
Booking email:
development@mansfield.ox.ac.uk
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Public
Editors:
Francesca Rigby,
Catherine Conisbee
