Vet sector still facing racism, study finds
Ethnic minorities experienced ‘alienation’ and ‘inferiorisation’.
A new study has revealed that racism continues to be a persistent problem to members of the veterinary profession who are ethnic minorities.
While racism has been investigated in professions with high ethnic diversity, there has been limited research in those with low ethnic diversity – such as the veterinary sector.
The research has seen the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London South Bank University and the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society collaborate to investigate the extent to which racism is experienced by ethnic minorities in the vet sector. They particularly sought to focus on its psychological effects.
Veterinary professionals and students from ethnic minority groups were invited to complete an online questionnaire, asking open questions about their experiences.
The surveys revealed three key themes about people’s experiences with racism. These were alienation and insecurity; homogenisation and inferiorisation; and disappointment and futility.
Researchers concluded that racism was a persistent problem for those in ethnic minority groups, often resulting in personal and professional identity conflicts.
They suggest that more work needs to be done to acknowledge, raise awareness of and tackle systemic racism. It is hoped that further research will improve rates of change and highlight members of society who are overlooked.
Christine Thuranira-McKeever, vice principal (equity, diversity and inclusion) at the RVC, said: “At the RVC, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the sector and have implemented several initiatives – aligned with our Strategic Plan in which EDI is a core component – to encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
“This includes the RVC For All campaign and Veterinary Gateway Programme to broaden access to veterinary education; the RVC's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Race Equality Task Group to focus on addressing racial disparities and shaping policy; and Animal Aspirations, founded in 2019 by RVC students, to support individuals from minority backgrounds.
“However, there is more to be done, and the findings of this study emphasise a significant need for the veterinary profession to come together and do more to acknowledge and raise awareness of the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism, to challenge and dismantle them, and to empower those who are affected.”
The full study can be found here.
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