Professor Maleiha Malik spoke at Southall Library on 6 October on the subject of the Race Relations Act and its implications today. The public event was one in a series run by Ealing Libraries to mark Black History Month.

Last year, a report by The Independent claimed that religious and racial hate crimes have risen by 23% in England and Wales since the referendum over the UK’s membership of the European Union was held in 2016.  Drawing on her research on UK, European and comparative discrimination law, Professor Malik explored the tensions and limitations of the Race Relations Act 1968 and its pertinence, half a century after its creation. Her contemporary discussion brought a timely focus to the legislation in relation to aspects of Britishness, immigration and race in the wake of Brexit.

‘Discussing these issues with Southall Library users,’ Professor Malik said, ‘I was able to communicate both the potential but also the limits of the law to address racism. My dialogue with the wonderful audience also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the attitudes, anxieties and concerns about ‘Brexit Britain’ by listening and engaging with one of the most racially diverse communities in London.’

Professor Malik is a barrister and a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Her research focuses on the theory and practice of discrimination law. She has written extensively on discrimination law, minority protection and feminist theory.

The Dickson Poon School of Law is committed to serving its community in London and engaging with the legal issues that are shaping public life. Find out more about our public events on our website.

For more information about Professor Malik’s work, visit her profile on the King’s Research Portal.

Find out about King’s Black History Month events on King’s Diversity Digest blog.