A debate aimed at getting more people talking about the impact of racism in today’s society will be hosted by Bradford University next week.

Described as an “interactive race debate” Tuesday’s R Word event is being held by the Runnymede Trust as part of its “end racism this generation” campaign.

A panel including the Trust’s director Dr Omar Khan, Bradford Council chief exective Tony Reeves, university students and journalists will talk about how, despite changes to laws in recent years, racism still remains a part of society.

Among issues being debated will be whether schools need to do more to tackle racism.

The event is being run with theatre and film company Red Room, and schools and other and community groups have been invited to attend.

It comes shortly after a survey by the Trust, a racial equality think tank, revealed that 79 per cent of people in the North think schools need to encourage more discussion with pupils and teachers about racism.

With 20 per cent of the students at Bradford being international, and many more coming from ethnic minority backgrounds, the Trust believes the university is the ideal place to hold the event.

Yunis Alam, a lecturer in Social Sciences and Criminal Justice Studies at the University is chairing the debate, and others taking part include Dr Khan, Mr Reeves, Aicha Bahij and Subira Ismail, of the Students’ Union; and Nick Ahad, journalist and scriptwriter.

Mr Alam said: “Despite changes in legislation, social policy and even social attitudes around various forms of inequality, racism remains a part of contemporary societies.

“This event gives us an opportunity to explore the relevance and impact of racism and especially how it can be challenged, regardless of the form it takes.”

The event is held at the University’s Norcroft Centre on Tuesday from 6.30pm to 9pm.

To book a place visit endracism.eventbrite.co.uk