Decolonial Theory and Epistemology - Dr Karla Perez Portilla

Decolonial Research and Methodologies Seminar Series

About the Series

In light of the University’s recent Review of Race and History (July 2025) and ongoing institutional commitments to decolonisation, this seminar series aims to provide a critical platform to interrogate these efforts within the specific context of legal research and scholarship. Each event aims to bring together scholars to explore complex themes at the intersection of law, race, and colonial legacies. At this critical juncture, we believe this series will provide a vital forum to turn institutional commitments into meaningful scholarly action. It is more urgent than ever to explore the impact of decolonial thought in legal research. One of our key aims is to introduce Postgraduate Research (PGR) students to a space where there can be critical dialogue that is both challenging and constructive. This series is designed to be a first step towards a sustained, community-led commitment to engage with decolonisation within all aspects of Edinburgh Law School.

About the Event

This session delves into decolonial theory as both a critique and a method for transforming legal research and education. It examines how colonial structures continue to shape legal knowledge and asks what it truly means to decolonise our theoretical and methodological frameworks. Drawing on epistemologies from the Global South, Dr. Portilla explores how alternative ways of knowing can challenge the dominance of Global North paradigms in UK law schools. The aim is to highlight the importance of positionality and reflexivity in dismantling the myth of legal neutrality.

About the Speaker

Dr Karla Perez Portilla is a Senior Lecturer in Anti-Discrimination Law at Glasgow Caledonian University whose work bridges academia, advocacy and community engagement. Originally from Mexico City, she brings a decolonial perspective to her research and practice on social justice and equality in Scotland and beyond.