University praised for progress on race equality

Posted on Monday 23 August 2004

HEFCE highlighted York's policies in race equality and specific actions that the University had taken to improve race equality for both staff and students.

The Race Equality Policy was praised for:

• Setting out how the University intends to address race equality issues in a clear and easily accessible format;
• Having a clear understanding of the institution's duties and a commitment to race equality;
• Particularly good sections on complaints, harassment, reviews and funding.

Recent actions which were singled out included:

• Creating an alcohol-free dining and social area in one of the key social centres on campus;
• Establishing a wide representation on the race equality steering group;
• Making links to useful organisations and information via the Equal Opportunities website.

"This is essentially a report on progress so far," said Yvie Holder, Director of the Equal Opportunities Office at the University. "We're pleased that so much of our strategic thinking and practical steps have been praised by HEFCE. Now we need to concentrate on our next steps.

"These include detailed analysis of the statistics we collect on staff and student profiles to inform our future policies, strengthening links with minority ethnic groups and organisations in York, and implementing the recommendations of a recent working group which looked at the spiritual and cultural needs of students."