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A joint statement on Race and Equality
Professor Mark Spearing, the University’s Executive Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Gwen Gordon, Chair of Shine, the staff network for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff, have made the following joint statement, adding to the sentiments expressed by our Vice-Chancellor.
It is fair to say that?2020 is proving?to be a year without a match –?a combination of global events?bringing into focus deep-rooted injustice?and inequality?that has developed over?centuries, not just?globally?but?nationally?too.
The brutal racist?killing of George Floyd and the reactions?worldwide make NOW the time for us to?make a step change in our?focus?on race equality in our University community.
We need to explore the experiences?of our BAME staff and?students, to consider what we?are already actively doing?about race equality and define what we?will be doing proactively ahead. We?acknowledge?that we have a lot of work that we collectively need to do to ensure that everyone in our?university?community feels?safe and included.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 commitment to the Race Equality Charter (REC) is a start and there is a group of committed?colleagues?who drive?this work forward.?This?charter?can only be one part of our approach to addressing the real issues.
There are societal?and?systemic?barriers?and deep-rooted behaviours that have kept racism?in place for?centuries. BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 responsibility is to look at all?aspects of our?institution so we can identify and confront those barriers and behaviours where they exist.
The University has recently renewed our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion structures. We are now closely collaborating with?colleagues?and students who have lived through experiences?of racism and with colleagues who bring?academic?or?professional?expertise?and?responsibilities in this area.
We are under no illusion?about the scale of the work we need to do. It will be a long and at times,?we are sure,?a?difficult journey. We are?committed?to taking this journey as we want to create?a?University?community where we all feel included, safe and valued.