Fresher students told to do 'race equity' course and write about 'how white privilege operates'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 17:31 EDT, 15 September 2026 | Updated: 17:31 EDT, 15 September 2026 University students are being asked to complete a 'race equity' course and write about 'how white privilege operates' before moving into halls.The University of Northampton is laying on the online course for first year students as part of their induction for Freshers' Week.Anyone who does not complete the modules is sent reminders, the university said.The 'Introduction to Race Equity' course is 'sourced' via Advance HE, a university membership organisation which aims to 'share best practice'.In one section, called 'Whiteness, Privilege and Belonging', students are told to answer the question, 'Were you aware of how White privilege operates and the impact it has on staff and students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds?'The course also asks students to write down actions they can take to 'improve your anti-racist practice' and 'tackle race inequality'.The university said it was not able to read students' responses and that anyone failing to complete the course would still be able to enter halls and start their degrees.However, a spokesman for the Free Speech Union said: 'Even though this course isn't mandatory and the answers aren't accessible to the university, it still sends a message that Northampton has taken a position on a number of politically contested issues and woe betide the student who disagrees with that position.' University students are being asked to complete a 'race equity' course and write about 'how white privilege operates' before moving into halls (pictured: Northampton University)According to a separate glossary published by Advance HE, 'white privilege' refers to an 'unquestioned and unearned set of advantages, entitlements, benefits and choices bestowed on people solely because they are white'.It defines 'structural white privilege' as 'a system of white domination that creates and maintains belief systems that make current racial advantages and disadvantages seem normal'.Such ideas have faced opposition in recent years from those who argue that not all white people are privileged.Included in the course is an appendix with further reading which includes a Huffington Post article titled 'The Sugarcoated Language of White Fragility', which suggests white people are 'thin-skinned' when it comes to race issues.Northampton said the course is offered to the whole sector by Advance HE, with universities able to put their own branding on.A Northampton spokesman said: 'Inclusivity is one of our core values, and we make no apologies for that. However, we also share a commitment to freedom of speech and respectful dialogue.'The training offered is an industry standard course that encourages new students to reflect on both their own background and that of their new peers, non-completion would not prevent anyone starting their studies or moving into their university accommodation.'The responses are not accessible by the university, and students are able to enter their own viewpoints.'The university is a member of Advance HE's Race Equality Charter, which it says 'supports our efforts to identify and tackle the barriers faced by GEM (Global Ethnic Majority) staff and students'.The charter 'provides a structured approach for action and continuous improvement', according to the university's website.An Advance HE spokesman said: 'Advance HE offers the Introduction to Race Equity e-learning programme to higher education providers, supporting the sector in its efforts to tackle race inequalities and bring about more inclusive campuses.'The course invites reflections on issues that can give rise to race discrimination or bias. Providers may adapt the programme for use in their own context.'Advance HE does not prescribe how providers deliver training in this or any other field.'