Franstine Jones MBE (top left), Phanuel Mutumburi (top right) and Stuart Lawrence (bottom).

On Friday, 06 May 2022, we hosted an event to cover the impact of Stop and Search policy. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team have collaborated with the Public Services Courses in order to put together this incredible opportunity to educate students on inequality in the criminal justice system. The purpose of the event is to support our learners on the issues being faced in Suffolk as well as across the country.

We will be joined by some fantastic guest speakers including:

Stuart Lawrence

The younger brother of Stephen Lawrence and a former secondary school teacher. Stuart now works as a consultant, youth engagement specialist, coach and public speaker spreading awareness. Stephen Lawrence was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack on 22 April 1993 at just 18 years old. Stuart was 16 at the time and now uses his platform for motivational speaking and empowering people with the tools to live positively through challenging times.

Phanuel Mutumburi

Phanuel is a director at ISCRE (Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality) which is a charitable organisation that focuses on shining a light on the systematic inequalities of our criminal justice system, housing, employment, education and more. He is involved in researching the importance of having community and health leaders actively working together in order to promote equality and fairness for the BAME community.

Franstine Jones MBE

As the first woman to be elected as the President of the NBPA (National Black Police Association), she was awarded the British Empire Medal and was honoured for her services to communities in Suffolk. We are delighted to be hosting her as she talks about her career working towards ending discrimination and injustice.

Each guest speaker brought their own fascinating and unique lived experiences to the event to open up these vital conversations with our students. Many thanks to the media department, caretakers and Edmunds Restaurant many others for supporting Mike Opukah, Matt Ross and Elisha Soanes.

Watch the event video below: