THE INSTITUTE OF LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON IS AT RISK
As of November this year, the decision was made by the University of London to shut down the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS)
Emily Floyd, Lecturer of Visual Culture at the University of London, defends that:
“ILAS stands at the very heart of Latin American Studies in the UK. Founded in 1965, over the past six decades the Institute has established an enviable global reputation as a scholarly, cultural and diplomatic knowledge hub. It is home to a world-class research library, provides the editorial and administrative office for the Journal of Latin American Studies, is host to numerous academic events, workshops and conferences, and provides invaluable support to early career scholars through its competitive fellowships and grants schemes.
The threatened closure of both ILAS and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies would not just be a critical blow to the School of Advanced Study, its staff, fellows and alumni, but would also do untold harm to Latin American and Caribbean Studies throughout the UK and further afield. Indeed, it is feared that this decision will contribute to job losses in Higher Education institutions across the country who are already struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic whilst deepening the UK’s isolationism in the world in the context of Brexit.”
Other comments regarding the petition:
“At a time when the world's need for interconnectivity is rapidly growing, this is no time to be pulling up drawbridges”
“The study of Latin American matters is very important in exploring the richness of the contributions made by the Latin American diaspora.”
“ILAS protects both Latin American and global heritage”
