Equality, diversity and inclusion and social justice
We are one of the most diverse universities in the UK with four times the average number of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic students than at other national universities. Looking both internally and externally, we are committed to fighting against racism and working on cultural attitudes and behaviours which lead to prejudice.
As we move towards 2031, we will make our stand against inequalities central to our academic research, our community work and education provision.
Using the power of our diversity
Every aspect of our work is enhanced by our diversity as a community and what we can learn from one another. During 2020, we have seen how the global coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected people from marginalised communities in devastating ways. We are determined to use our collective talent andto extend our work to ensure a fair and diverse society.
Our ongoing response to Black Lives Matter
We are determined to become a higher educational institution which welcomes, celebrates and stands up for people of all cultures. Recently we have taken some positive steps to address equality through initiatives such as decolonising the curriculum and applying for the Race Equality Charter mark. This came about in response to protests around the Black Lives Matter movement and has become an continuing area of focus for us.
Recognition for our focus on equality
This theme will build on our achievements around equality. We were the first university to receive a UK Investor in Equality and Diversity Charter Mark award for embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in our learner experience. Our focus on equality has also demonstrated through our Athena SWAN gender equality membership launch and EU funded research into LGBTQ+ student inclusion.
Breaking new ground in health
We are dedicating more energy into work by our academics and practitioners to ensure staff and patients of all cultures and races are treated fairly by our health services. We are researching maternity protection for employees, living wage and reproductive health rights in the workplace. We are exposing the lack of diversity in NHS senior management and we have done important work to highlight the number of deaths of BAME mothers in childbirth.
Equality and diversity in our partners
In the UK and globally, we prioritise equality and diversity when deciding on partnerships. Take the TOGETHER project, joint with UCL and the Race Equality Foundation. The project evaluates a parenting intervention for parents from marginalised communities, including black and minority ethnic parents, teenage parents and parents with learning disabilities. We have also partnered with the British Government’s Ministry of Justice with experience days, mentoring and internships to raise students’ aspirations and diversify their workforce.
Success stories from our community
A pioneering diversity toolkit for the Met Police
Academic Dr Doirean Wilson, a leading expert in diversity workplace issues, is creating a pioneering toolkit to educate Metropolitan Police officers and give them a better understanding of the diverse communities which they serve. It is being built with help from Stuart Lawrence, whose brother Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially motivated attack. We believe the toolkit is the first of its kind for a UK police force.
The police force has also asked Dr Wilson to create two short videos looking at the importance of cultural awareness and building trust and also showing examples of cultural understanding in practice. These will be available for staff and officers to use when they are doing policework on the street.
International research on gender, justice and security
We are a key player in the Gender, Justice and Security Hub, a global partnership researching gender justice and security around the world. As a member, we have been awarded almost £1.7 million to conduct research in seven countries of Middle East and South Asia.
Our researchers are focusing on Afghanistan, India, Iraq-Kurdistan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey and looking at two key themes:
- Transformation and empowerment
- Migration and displacement
The grant has been awarded by the Global Challenges Research Fund which supports cutting-edge research around issues faced by developing countries. It is the largest award that we have ever received for the social sciences, creative industries and humanities.
We want to hear from you
We have set the scene with some examples of the work we do in this area. We know this is not a complete list by any means, so now we are looking for your help.
Help us enhance our reputation and build up a better picture of activity by sharing examples of your work and from outside Middlesex.
More on our themes
Find out more about the themes and help us to build up a picture of work around them.
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