Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)
Dear Colleague,
I want to begin by noting that today, 20 November, is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is an annual observance that honours the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of violence. It follows Transgender Awareness Week, which took place from 13-19 November. The University is committed to the inclusion of our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming staff and students and we are flying the Trans flag over Sussex House to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance.
We also mark International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November. This year’s theme focuses on ending digital violence against women and girls. Online violence is a growing threat and one that seeks to silence many women, especially those with a digital presence in fields such as politics, activism, or journalism. At Sussex, we are committed to cultivating a safe, supportive culture and addressing behaviours that breach our Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy. In August we launched new online training to help staff and students understand acceptable behaviours and practices and prevent harassment and sexual misconduct.
Recently, I was privileged to attend a panel discussion marking the 50th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act and also the 50th anniversary of implementation of the Equal Pay Act. Amongst other contributions, the lawyer, activist and trade union official, Tess Gill recounted the campaign and legal fight to require El Vino’s, a famous wine bar in Fleet Street, London, to serve women at the bar. The venue managed to resist this until a landmark Court of Appeal ruling in 1982. Today, somewhat ironically, El Vino’s honours the campaigners with a plaque!
It was helpful to be reminded of the journey that we are on and that whilst behaviours such as that of El Vino’s are no longer commonplace, other egregious behaviours including violence remain and as a society and University we must continue the work to eliminate these and also remove structural and systemic barriers.
This month, I highlight:
- a new Code of Practice for accessible and inclusive learning
- making campus more accessible with a new outdoor Library lift
- Disability History Month
- a call for staff to join our Religion and Belief Forum
- finding common ground in public opinion: In Conversation with Luke Tryl
New Code of Practice for accessible and inclusive learning
A new Code of Practice outlining the University's approach to supporting disabled students has been published on the Supporting disabled students section of the Staff Hub. The Code of Practice supports our Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Policy regarding reasonable adjustments for disabled students at the University. It will be underpinned by new guidance on implementation and further training this term. Please take a few minutes to review the Code of Practice and ensure your mandatory Disability Awareness online training is completed.
Making campus more accessible with a new outdoor Library lift
Work has now begun on a new outdoor Library lift, which will provide a step-free link from the lower level of Library Square’s lawns to the accessible entrance. It will also create a more direct and inclusive route to the Institute of Development Studies and Arts buildings, making a real difference for staff, students and visitors who may have mobility-impacted impairments.
Disability History Month
Disability History Month, which this year is from 20 November to 20 December, is an opportunity to recognise the histories, achievements and experiences of disabled people, reflect on the progress made and the barriers that still exist.
The University is accredited as a Disability Confident Leader, and earlier this year we launched new mandatory online learning on Disability Awareness for staff. This important training aims to ensure all colleagues have an understanding of disability inclusion, the barriers disabled people face, and the role we all play in creating a more accessible and inclusive University. We take pride in the progress made at Sussex, but we recognise there is still much work to do. This Disability History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to listening to disabled voices, taking meaningful action, and continuing to develop a culture where all staff and students feel valued and empowered. The Students’ Union has planned a number of events that encourage learning, connection and open conversations about disability, across our community. Find out more about Disability History Month.
Call for staff to join our Religion and Belief Forum
We are seeking staff who may be interested in joining existing members of the University’s Religion and Belief Forum which meets once a term. We would particularly like to encourage staff with lived experience of Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh or Hindu faiths to join the group. However, those of any faith or protected philosophical belief are also very welcome to express interest. The forum supports and strengthens our commitment to create a non-discriminatory, inclusive environment where the religious and non-religious faiths and beliefs of all are respected. Please contact Simone Webb (simone.webb@sussex.ac.uk) in the EDI team if you are interested in finding out more or joining.
Finding common ground in public opinion: In Conversation with Luke Tryl
I was delighted to see many staff and students at the In Conversation event earlier this week. We were joined by Luke Tryl, Executive Director of More in Common who spoke about work to understand and find common ground amongst diverse and opposing viewpoints. Based on their groundbreaking research, Luke spoke about the issues that matter most to people and how the UK feels divided, with many believing things are getting worse. Factors behind this include a crisis of trust in national institutions and exhaustion with politics which are driving a rise in alternative narratives and conspiracy thinking. Following the talk, I hosted a wide-ranging panel discussion with Luke and two academics from the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, Assistant Professor Hannah Richter and Professor Paul Taggart, which included questions from the audience. You can read more about the event, and a replay will be available soon.
With good wishes,
David
David Ruebain
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)
Other events underway and coming up:
- Islamophobia Awareness Month, 1-30 November. The British Muslim Trust provides confidential support and safe reporting for victims of anti‑Muslim hate across the UK through their helpline service.
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December
- World AIDS Day, 1 December
Information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.
Religious days and observances:
- Shaheedi Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a recognition of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (the ninth Sikh Guru), is on 24 November.
This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.