Race, Disability & Education: Law's Uphill Battle - Leslie Thomas KC

This lecture traces the history of race and disability law in the English education system. It examines the impact of discriminatory policies on Black children, children of colour, and disabled children, and how narratives around race and disability have changed.

The lecture questions why inequality persists and explores possible solutions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:22 History of state education in England
07:09 History of eugenics
11:16 How eugenics shaped British law and education
15:12 Post-1944 state education in England
19:04 How ESN school were created
22:49 How racism caused black children to be wrongly sent to ESN schools
34:23 Post-1970s to present day state education in England
39:45 How the state still fails disabled & ethnic minority children
45:51 Scientific racism, The Bell Curve
58:28 Conclusions
1:02:08 Q&A Session

This lecture was recorded by Leslie Thomas KC on 23rd May 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London

Leslie is Gresham Professor of Law.

Before joining Gresham College, he served as a joint Head of Chambers at Garden Court Chambers and continues to be an active Bencher to the Inner Temple, where he is Master of equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI).

The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/e...

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