Program Overview

Re:Tension and the Aftermath Debate

Key details

Location

• Organisation premises
• Online

Study Delivery

• Face-to-face
• Online

Course Duration

• Half-day session to a two-day block

Re:Tension and the Aftermath Debate

Using film and debate to tackle racism in higher education. A toolkit and training session for universities.

Re:Tension is a short 20-minute film that follows Thapelo, a bright and capable university student, on a day where he is unwittingly forced to question the judgements of his tutors and peers, and delve deeper into his own actions, choices and beliefs.

Re:Tension addresses the topic of institutional racism and the gap in student retention amongst BAME (Black, Asian and Minority, Ethnic) students within British universities. The film was inspired by analysing statistical data that highlighted the unexplained dropout rate of BAME students.

The film attempts to provide a real insight into unconscious racial harassment within the higher education system and micro-aggressions that often go unnoticed.

The toolkit

The toolkit, developed by Associate Professors Syra Shakir and Ricardo Barker, uses Re:Tension and the aftermath debate to openly challenge racism and discrimination.

It encourages group discussion around accountability and responsibility, uses a theoretical model titled ‘The Forced Silence’ and Dr Sean Walton provides an exploration of Critical Race Theory in the fight against discrimination.

How is it delivered?

A half-day session delivered by Syra Shakir, Ricardo Barker and Sean Walton.

Following the screening of Re:Tension, Syra, Ricardo and Sean will begin the aftermath debate. The audience will be split into groups with opportunities to discuss the film, how it made them feel and feedback to the group. Attendees will be encouraged to share personal experiences and reflect on racial inequality in their institutions.

It is anticipated that the University will come away with actions that can be implemented.

How many people can attend?

There is no maximum number of attendees – the more people involved, the better.

Who should attend?

• All staff members – lecturers, researchers, professional services, Leadership and Executive teams – we can offer separate sessions for different schools and departments if required.
• All students, from any level and any subject background, including alumni.

Meet your trainers

Ricardo Barker

Ricardo Barker is an Associate Professor at Leeds Trinity University. He is a multi-disciplinary filmmaker working in the fields of drama, documentary, and music. He has particular expertise in anti-racist pedagogy and his films encompass such topics as racial micro-aggressions, institutional racism, and the multiple ways racism manifest in society, and particularly in higher education.

Syra Shakir

Syra Shakir is an Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at Leeds Trinity University. She works on embedding race equity in the curriculum, decolonisation, anti-racist pedagogy, and co-creation with students to build belonging. Her research interests are in the pedagogy of co-creation, critical race theory, and education for social justice.

Dr Sean Walton

Sean Walton is a Senior Lecturer in Academic Development at Leeds Trinity University. His research interests include: Critical pedagogy; critical theory; critical race theory in higher education; Marxism and education; and the philosophy of education.

Awards and Recognition

• Best Presentation Prize for Race, Ethnicity and Education BERA 2024
• Outstanding contribution to equality and diversity Nomination, THE Times Higher, November 2021
• Published as a best practice toolkit International Diversity Film Affairs Education, Germany, July 2022
• Educational Film from A University. Nomination, Learning on Screen Awards, Apr 2021