Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been recognised for its commitment to racial equality and its work to break down barriers for students and staff with a significant award from the Race Equality Charter.
The Race Equality Charter, led by Advance HE, is designed to identify and address the barriers facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and students. Through this scheme, universities must present an extensive submission and accompanying action plan and framework to address any disadvantage these students and staff face, such as recruitment and awarding gaps.
Out of 99 universities that have opted into the programme, ARU becomes the 38th to receive the Bronze award. Only one university has been awarded Silver – so far, the highest award level that can be applied for.
ARU outlined its Race Equality Strategy in 2021, setting out a cultural change approach to achieving race equality.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “ARU is delighted and proud to become the 38th university to receive a Race Equality Charter Bronze award. This award recognises our commitment to dismantling institutional inequalities as we work to create long-term systemic cultural change.
“Colleagues and students across the university have worked hard over several years to develop and implement our Race Equality Strategy, reducing inequality and supporting cultural change. I would like in particular to acknowledge the work of our student Race Equality Advocates and our staff Race and Ethnic Equality Network.”
Dr Apurba Kundu, co-founder of the Race and Ethnic Equality Network (REEN) at ARU, said: “I am very pleased to hear ARU has received a Bronze Race Equality Charter award following the recent submission to Advance HE. A 2017 report authored by our university’s Race and Ethnic Equality Network first set in motion our university’s commitment to apply for the REC, and our members have been strong supporters ever since.
“The REC recognises ARU’s continuing commitment to enhance the educational and professional prospects of our minority ethnic students and staff, and REEN looks forward to helping build a better university for all our diverse communities.”
Advance HE is a member-led charity of and for the sector that works with partners across the globe to improve higher education for staff, students and society.
Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay
