UEA signs commitment to BME students and staff
By: News Archive
A commitment has been made, on the final day of Black History Month, to ensure that students and staff from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds have the best experience possible while studying or working at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
UEA’s Vice-Chancellor Professor David Richardson put pen to paper to sign Advance-HE’s Race Equality Charter which aims to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.
“We are attracting more students from BME backgrounds than ever before and we need to ensure that they, as well as staff, have the best experience possible here and fulfil their potential.” said Helen Murdoch, Head of Equality and Diversity.
“It will highlight where practice is good, but also look at where we need to do better, or ensure greater consistency across campus.”
“I’ve seen an increase in diversity since I’ve been at UEA and I think signing up to the charter is a good step forward for the University.” said Benjamin Joseph-Ebare who is a second year Computer Sciences student and President of the African-Caribbean Society. “It shows that we’re moving in the right direction and I’m hoping there will be more to come.”
Fiona Igwe who is a third year Biological Sciences student, and also part of the African-Caribbean Society, added: “We’re laying the foundations, but what I would like to see is more representation in the curriculum and across all University services.”
The Charter is underpinned by a number of guiding principles which include addressing racial inequalities, attracting students and staff from all backgrounds, achieving culture change, valuing different experiences and considering people’s multiple identities.
Prof Richardson, said: “It’s integral that we foster an inclusive culture to allow everyone, regardless of their background or experience, to feel welcome and part of the UEA family. After a month of activities to celebrate Black History Month, it seems only fitting the final day is marked with this commitment, to ensure this is a key focus for the future.”
“We know that Athena SWAN, a similar framework, has been beneficial in helping us improve gender equality and we hope to see good results over time through participation in the Race Equality Charter too.”
Advance HE plans to undertake an evaluation of Race Equality Charter’s impact in 2020.
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