Leading architect says institutional racism has not gone away

When Stephen Lawrence was murdered – he’d been planning to become an architect – a profession that isn’t known for its racial diversity. Anja Popp spoke to the architect Elsie Owusu – she’s running to become president of the industry’s body RIBA. She claims it’s an industry with a problem, and that institutional racism has not gone away.

In a statement, RIBA said they condemn any form of discrimination or harassment and take allegations of the kind raised by Elsie Owusu extremely seriously. They said the institute has engaged extensively with Elsie to investigate a claim she made of institutionalised racism in 2015, and stands ready to investigate any new evidence or concerns.