Decolonising Education Collective
Students don't leave their culture or ethnicity at the classroom door, even though the education system may demand them to do so. It is for this reason that an active, collective, and inclusive effort is needed to decolonise and diversify the education system - making it a brave space for all involved. That's where we come in! DEC is a group of students and staff in the Education Department at the University of York working as a collaborative voice for change and transformation.
Welcome to
DEC
This interactive website is an invitation into the work of DEC. As you navigate each section, we hope you become increasingly aware of the need to decolonise our existing curriculum and grow inspired to join, or even ignite, the collective action needed to do so. Whether you’re reading a case study in our ‘Learn’ section or contributing to a forum discussion in our ‘Ignite’ section, we hope the website empowers accessible and inclusive conversation. If you have any issues with the format of the website, please contact educ642@york.ac.uk.
Our Timeline
Lockdown, 2020
The Decolonising Education Collective (DEC) is founded in the Education Department at the University Of York
Term Time, 2020
DEC Reading Group begins as a safe space for participants to explore inclusive and diverse texts.
Term Time, 2020
DEC launches Liberation Reps in the department. These are student volunteers who represent marginalised students such as BAME and International students.
Term Time, 2021
DEC begins action groups and discussion groups bringing staff and students in the department to discuss pertinent issues surrounding decolonising and create tangible action plans to combat such issues
Term Time, 2021
DEC leads teaching and learning workshops in the department of education at vital staff training
Summer, 2021
DEC launches its first internship employing students in the department to work over the summer on decolonising specific strands of the curriculum
Summer, 2022
DEC hosts another internship employing students to work on decolonising the curriculum, looking towards semesterisation and modularisation.
October, 2022
DEC is nominated at the UoY Inclusive Impact Awards for the Inclusive Education Award. DEC is among over 10 other nominees.
October, 2022
Term Time, 2022
DEC campaigns for and gets approval on changes to Module Feedback Forms. Education department forms now have a question relating to decolonising to ensure this is a focus of our curriculum.
DEC represents the Education Department at the first Social Sciences Faculty Forum.
November, 2022
DEC wins the Inclusive Education Award.
Term Time, 2023
DEC launches their first podcast - Sweet Life on DEC
Summer, 2023
DEC hosts its third annual internship & launches its website!