GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY of London is to allow students to claim cases of racial trauma as reasons for affecting their studies and applying for deadline extensions.

The university is first in the UK to recognise the mental health effects of racism on academic progress.

Following a campaign by the university’s student union, it was reached that racial trauma would be included in the categories of “serious life events” that require a student extra time for submitting coursework or assessments.

Frances Corner, the warden of Goldsmiths, said: “This change relates to our extenuating circumstances policy, which enables students to ask us to take into account serious life events when assessing their progress with their studies.

“Self-certification for this kind of support is common at universities and students are entitled to proper support when the need arises.

“A student must submit a detailed statement which is carefully considered by academic departments, who then decide an appropriate response.

“Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, with the college committed to providing the best possible support to each of our students.”

Goldsmiths’ student union said the decision was “great news and a step in the right direction”, and was the result of campaigning by the union’s officers.

The college has also “noted the intention to include racial trauma” as one of the examples of trauma that will enable students to apply for extenuating circumstances for their studies.

Larissa Kennedy, president of the National Union of Students, applauded the move: “For far too long, black and brown students have had to relive their trauma in front of decision-makers, who often have little to no understanding of racial trauma themselves.

“This win by Goldsmith students’ union is a win for all campaigns to decolonise education. It is one cornerstone of the end of universities’ complicity in racial violence, as it sets a precedent for institutions across the country.

“Many universities published empty platitudes of support during the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement last summer. A year on, we must see tangible action. Institutions must tend to the welfare of students and staff of colour who are exhausted by racism, day in and day out.”