David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), wrote to all staff earlier today, Wednesday 15 May. You can read the full text of his email below.
Dear Colleague,
In my role, I seek to meet with colleagues representing a range of backgrounds and constituencies, not least to learn from their experience and explore what else the University can do to ensure inclusion for all and advance good relations between people with different backgrounds, beliefs and identities. In that regard, I have had important conversations with Palestinian-heritage colleagues, particularly in light of the recent catastrophic events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I am very grateful to Dr Zahira Jaser of the University of Sussex Business School and to others who have raised the need for our community to better understand anti-Palestinian racism. Zahira recently published an article in the Financial Times exploring this.
In the next academic year, we will undertake work to achieve a better understanding of different forms of racism and related oppressions, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia which are, of course, unacceptable.
Meanwhile, I want to mention a serious incident that took place last week. During a hybrid seminar, the Zoom call was subject to a cyber-attack in which horrible racist images were displayed. An investigation is underway, and we have taken steps to support to those affected. We must all take every precaution possible to avoid another incident of this type, and you can find out more about how to keep Zoom meetings secure.
Updates this month include:
- New Black at Sussex webpage offers insight into programme
- Apply to chair the Black at Sussex programme
- Changes to anti-racism training
- Mid-term update on Athena Swan equality charter work
- Bronze Athena Swan awards achieved
- Progress update on EDI policies
- Take part in Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade
- Update on the Open Listening Programme
New Black at Sussex webpage offers insight into programme
Black at Sussex aims to improve the experience of Black students and staff at Sussex, and you can find out more about the programme on our recently-launched webpage which shares testimonials from staff and students as well as details about upcoming events. We recently hosted a celebratory event following Jenny Mitchell’s Poetry Residency in partnership with the Library, and on Thursday 30 May a one-day symposium will celebrate the launch of the Black Studies at Sussex Legacy Collection archive at the Library.
Apply to chair the Black at Sussex programme
We are looking to recruit a new Chair for the Black at Sussex programme and welcome expressions of interest from staff members before 31 May. The role is responsible for chairing the Black at Sussex Steering group meetings which take place approximately once per term; taking oversight of the programme (in collaboration with the Project Manager and EDI team); representing the programme at internal events, and building links with stakeholders. Please email a short paragraph explaining your interest in the role to: blackatsussex@sussex.ac.uk by the deadline.
If you have any suggestions for future initiatives that would benefit from funding through the Black at Sussex programme, please contact blackatsussex@sussex.ac.uk to share your ideas and complete a proposal form. We are seeking projects that address the aims of the programme to improve the Black staff and student experience and to increase the recruitment and retention of Black students at the University. Proposals can include a collaborative initiative working with external partners or can be internally led by staff and/or students.
Changes to anti-racism training
You may be aware of the Union Black anti-racism course supported by Santander and available for all staff and students. Access to the Union Black course will close for new applications on Monday 20 May 2024. Those who have already enrolled will receive details from Santander about the course completion time soon.
Building on the experience and learning, including the need to reflect a wider range of racialised voices, the EDI team is currently reviewing new anti-racist online training options to be hosted on LearnUpon and aim to have something in place by this summer.
Mid-term update on Athena Swan equality charter work
Our work towards promoting gender equality was recognised with a Bronze Athena Swan Institutional award in 2021, and we are working towards a renewal application in 2026. A recent mid-term review session, delivered by Advance HE, focused our thinking for the next phase of this work. As part of our Athena Swan action plan, we have already committed to several short and medium-term outcomes in key areas, including promotions and remuneration, support for parents and carers, and dignity and respect.
Bronze Athena Swan awards achieved
Relatedly, I want to congratulate the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences which renewed its Athena Swan Bronze award in December 2023, and the School of Education and Social Work which recently achieved its first Bronze award. Congratulations to everyone in both Schools who contributed to these milestones as we continue to focus on this important work.
Progress update on EDI policies
The University is currently working on streamlining and centralising policies, including those relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. This broader work includes:
- a review and restructure of all current EDI policies
- an external review focusing on regulatory and legislative changes, such as new freedom of speech legislation
- development of a new, comprehensive Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy
Other planned EDI policy changes have been paused while this work has been going through governance processes, including the development of a new Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy and a Religion and Belief Policy but once the new Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy has been approved, these will be resumed. The new Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy is due to be considered by Council at their next meeting and I will update you further in due course.
Take part in Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade
Brighton & Hove Pride weekend is coming up on 2-4 August and the University is once again partnering with Pride. The University has been a proud partner since 2017 and we are honoured to be part of such an important event for the LGBTQ+ community and the city as a whole. We will be taking part in the Community Parade on Saturday 3 August with a walking party of staff, students and alumni and you are welcome to register to be part of the group on the day. Please register as soon as possible, as places are first come first served. A minibus will be provided to support anyone in the University walking party who may have mobility difficulties.
Trans Pride Brighton is also taking place on 19-21 July, and we will be sharing more information about this celebration nearer the time.
Update on the Open Listening Programme
This programme has offered experiential sessions, introducing open listening techniques and how to work with conflict to lead to understanding, stronger relationships and positive change. Following a series of successful pilot workshops, including with the University Leadership Team and two campus dialogue events, the next steps for the programme are being finalised. We anticipate that there will be an ongoing opportunity for staff to join workshops based on the original model, with an additional focus on practical application; thematic sessions considering current areas of contention; and embedding understanding of the approach in the Sussex Leader programme. We will also be in contact with those who attended earlier pilot sessions and expressed an interest in ongoing involvement.
With good wishes,
David Ruebain
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)
Recent events:
- Stephen Lawrence Day, 22 April
- Lesbian Visibility Week, 22-28 April
- Deaf Awareness Week, 6-12 May
- National Day for Staff Networks, 8 May
Coming soon:
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), 17 May
- IDAHOBIT event: Ledward Centre Visit and Butterfly Trail, 17 May
- World Pride Month, 1-30 June
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, 1-30 June
- Carers Week, 10-16 June
- Neurodivergence in the Workplace workshop, 13 June
- Windrush Day, 22 June
Further information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.