UCL Eugenics Inquiry in London, England

In 1912, the First International Eugenics Conference was hosted in London. The conference was dedicated to Francis Galton, whose legacy with eugenics continues to be associated with University College London. The legacy of Galton and other eugenic scientists remains for many a symbol of racism, imperialism and inequality. This study examines the decision-making process of UCL to modify the historical legacy of eugenics, which until recently remained visually present in UCL buildings and facilities. The case study examines how different academic actors, including university professors, students and administrators, responded to official attempts to come to terms with UCL’s eugenic legacy.