Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) Law has announced the creation of the Sir Geoff Palmer Prize, a new academic award honouring Scotland’s first Black professor.
The prize commemorates Sir Geoff’s lifelong dedication as an educator, human rights advocate and campaigner against racism, and will recognise the best socio-legal essay written by a final-year law student in the Social Justice, Equality, Discrimination and the Law module.
Sir Geoff, who passed away in June aged 85, received Scotland’s highest royal honour, the Order of the Thistle, in recognition of his significant contributions to national life and public service last year.
Lady Margaret Palmer said: “I give my whole-hearted support for the creation of the Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Prize.
“In these troubling times of increasing right-wing attitudes both in this country and around the world, Geoff’s work is essential to teaching young people that there is no scientific basis for racist attitudes and that prejudice is the result of ignorance and selfishness”
The prize is sponsored by Maria Maguire KC, currently the most senior woman in practice at the Scottish bar, who wishes to honour Sir Geoff’s memory by supporting future generations of lawyers in their understanding of anti-racism and the wider cause of social justice.
Dr Karla Perez Portilla, lecturer in law and leader of the Social Justice module, added: “I had the great fortune of working with Sir Geoff for several years, and I learned a great deal from him.
“He was a man of kindness and hope, and he never hesitated to share his knowledge, passion, values, and vision for a better present and future. He often reminded us that we must look back at history if we are to make sense of the present.”