Race Equality

Race is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

It is unlawful for a person to discriminate on racial grounds against another person. For the purposes of the Act ‘race’ includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins. A racial group can be made up of two or more different racial groups (eg Black Britons). (ACAS July 2010)

For a summary of the key legislation see the Equality Challenge Unit guidance: Race: key legislation.

The University of York’s work on equality in relation to race:

The University celebrates and values the diversity brought by its individual members and is committed to the creation of a positive environment which is fair, welcoming and inclusive where all staff and students can fulfil their potential.The University aims to meet the needs of its diverse student and staff population through consultation and engagement.

Race Equality Policy: The Race Equality Policy sets out how the University will continue to work towards incorporating race equality into key functions of its work.

Celebrating diversity of cultures and ethnicities on campus: the University seeks to promote cultural understanding and race awareness in a variety of ways for example through an ongoing programme of events and public lectures, the International Student Fiesta run by York University Students' Union/International Students' Association and events for Black History Month.

Widening Participation initiatives: The University is committed to widening participation and encourages a socially and culturally diverse student population at York. In support of this a wide range of activities for schools, parents and teachers is offered including projects which aim to raise aspirations and encourage progression to University.

Consultation: In 2009 the University carried out a Race Equality Consultation with staff and students. The outcome of the consultation was a number of recommendations in terms of how the University can improve equality and inclusivity.

The Staff Race Equality Forum, launched in 2007, is a University-wide network of staff who are interested in progessing race equality at the University.

Support for international students: The University is committed to providing an excellent service in support of its international students. Based on needs identified through ongoing feedback, students are supported by a range of services including the International Student Support Co-ordinator, the Centre for English Language Teaching and the work of the Academic Support Office.

Support for international staff: There are a number of initiatives in support of the University's international staff including the Welcome Service which assists members of staff relocating from outside the UK.

Volunteering opportunities for students: the University encourages students from different national backgrounds to participate in opportunities for volunteering at York. An aim of this work is to help in the development of positive links with the City of York.

Training: In addition to the range of generic equality training opportunities, staff have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills in support of internationalisation through a number of specific training programmes. Information is provided through Professional and Organisation Development.

Dietary Needs: The University’s Catering Services are committed to ensuring that services provided meet the diverse needs of the University community. All University food outlets provide at least one vegetarian option at all times, in accordance with the Vegetarian Society guidelines. An on-campus Costcutter supermarket provides ranges of foods which include authentic asian groceries, and organic and fair trade products. In addition, the International Student Handbook provides a list of local suppliers of a range of foods to meet different dietary requirements.

Non-alchohol events: The University and Students' Union work hard towards ensuring a range of Non-alcohol events are available for students.

Harassment: In addition to University anti-harassment initiatives, we continue to work with external partners to address incidents of harassment affecting University members within the city of York. York Racial Equality Network addressed the Staff Race Equality Forum in March 2012.

What can I do to raise awareness of Race Equality issues in my department?

  • Ensure you understand and adhere to the University’s Race Equality Policy

  • Publicise the Staff Race Equality Forum

  • Be aware of the work of York Racial Equality Network (YREN), a local group working to promote awareness of the needs of black and minority ethnic people in the York area and provide support to individuals who experience racial harassment, victimisation, discrimination or isolation. Download and display a copy of YREN's information leaflet.

  • Show respect for others within the University community irrespective of race, colour or religion.

  • Speak out and challenge racism positively

  • Help to eliminate racial harassment and report it immediately

  • Play your part in promoting a culture of respect and tolerance

 

 

Updated by the Equality and Diversity Adviser

May 2012

 

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