Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)
Dear Colleague,
Today is Nowruz, the Iranian or Persian New Year's day and I begin this month’s update by acknowledging the awful impact of the war in the Middle-East and West Asia along with other conflicts; of course especially for those in the countries affected but also others including those with family and friends there. I know that the University has been in contact with members of our community directly affected and please do note the support available to staff and students.
This month I would like to highlight:
- The International Women’s Day Exhibition in the Library
- Sign Language Week, World Autism Acceptance Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Week
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Stephen Lawrence day
- Trans Day of Visibility
- Staff survey
- EDI e-learning
- Upcoming religious observances
- Events
International Women’s Day Exhibition in the Library
I had the real pleasure of attending the launch of this year’s International Women’s Day exhibition in the Library last week, hearing graduates of the Women’s Leadership Academy speaking about their experience and the impact of ensuring a supportive place at Sussex to do their research. The portraits and comments are wonderful - engaging and illuminating. I encourage you to go along before the end of March if you can.
You can read more about International Women’s Day and our gender equality work in this recent Staff Hub article. The article also highlights our Parents and Carers staff network: which along with other staff networks play an important role in shaping inclusive practice.
Sign Language Week, World Autism Acceptance Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Week
It is Sign Language Week this week and you can read more about it on the Staff Hub. This year’s theme is ‘United in Sign’ and includes a message of inclusion and invitation for all of us: “Every sign learned is an act of allyship. Join us as an ally, learn, share and support us.”
World Autism Acceptance Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Week are also important opportunities to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about neurological differences. This useful Staff Hub article from our EDI team shines a light on our support for students, our Neurodiversity Staff Network, and a call for content for an upcoming forum on neurodiversity and neurodivergence. There are also signposts to events and resources from across the University and wider.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Stephen Lawrence day
March and April bring two events which encourage us to reflect on the continuing challenge of addressing racism in all of its forms and advancing racial equity. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is marked annually on 21 March, a United Nations observance commemorating the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960 when peaceful protesters were killed during the struggle against apartheid. Stephen Lawrence Day on 22 April honours the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993. Read more about these two significant dates and our race equity work at Sussex.
Trans Day of Visibility
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) takes place every year on 31 March. The day celebrates the lives and contributions of transgender and non-binary people and raises awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide. As every year, this is a good opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to work for a supportive and inclusive environment on our campus for everyone, including trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students and staff.
In this recent article about the day, Jacqueline de Beaudrap and Rach Vowden, co-chairs of the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network at Sussex, said: “For those of us who are willing to be publicly seen through the lens of our gender journey, Trans Day of Visibility is a time for us to openly celebrate who we are, and a day for allies to celebrate and support the trans people in their lives - whatever form of support their trans friends, families, and colleagues might each need.”
Staff survey
I have recently taken over as the Chair of the Staff Survey Steering Group; many thanks to Robin Banerjee for steering the work over the last few years. We are now beginning preparations for the next staff survey in the autumn. Unlike last year’s mini pulse survey, designed to “take the temperature” of University, the next one will be comprehensive, covering a wider range of themes. Results of last autumn’s mini pulse survey were shared in an email from Sasha in November, and are also available on the Staff Survey webpage. Leaders from around the University have also received segmented data for their respective faculties and divisions.
EDI e-learning reminder
Our EDI e-learning programme is designed to support Sussex staff in your day-to-day work and to help promote respect and dignity across our University community. As well as the mandatory Disability Awareness and Diversity in the Workplace courses, there are a number of optional courses, including Introduction to Neurodiversity and Supporting trans and non-binary people at work, which are relevant to other topics in this month’s update. Please do check if you are due to renew your mandatory courses and take a few minutes to see if the optional courses will be of help in your role.
Upcoming religious observances
Today, 20 March, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover) will be celebrated between 1 and 9 April this year. As a major Jewish holiday some students and staff may be observing a restricted diet or may be absent periodically.
For Christians, Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, is observed on Friday 3 April, beginning Easter weekend which culminates on Easter Monday (6 April).
Additionally, some Pagans will celebrate Ostara (the spring equinox) on or around 20 March, and 14 April marks Vaisakhi, a major Sikh spring festival.
My best wishes to everyone celebrating during March and April.
Upcoming events
- Tuesday 31 March | 10am-4pm | Library Square
The Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network will have a stall to mark Trans Day of Visibility. They'll have badges to give out to students, staff, and allies, and will be showing the Trans flag. - Wednesday 15 April | 6.30pm-8.30pm | on campus
Black at Sussex, Files Across the Isles - an exhibition and screening experience spotlighting the Black Brightonian community - Thursday 16 April | 3pm-5pm | on campus
Black History & AI: Seeing the grave dangers in the opportunities with speaker Gaverne Bennett