Eton addresses its racial demons

The headmaster of Eton College has told the BBC he is ‘appalled’ by the racism experienced by the first black person to complete his studies at the prestigious British public school. Nigerian writer Dillibe Onyeama who obtained his school-leaving certificate from Eton in 1969 has written a book about the racism he experienced at the school and was subsequently banned from visiting. Simon Henderson said ‘we have made significant strides since then’ but he acknowledged that there is ‘more to do’. King Henry VI founded the institution in 1440 to provide free education to 70 poor boys. It now charges annual fees of more than $50 000.

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