David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) wrote to all staff on Monday 22 September. You can read his message in full:

Dear Colleague,

Earlier this month, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil updated staff about the University’s challenge to the Office for Students’ (OfS) decision against Sussex in respect of matters of freedom of speech and academic freedom. The High Court has now granted the University permission to proceed to a judicial review of the Office for Students’s decision, and every ground of our challenge has been determined to be ‘arguable’. We have now published our full Statement of Facts and Grounds on our website.

Meanwhile, in my July update I mentioned new guidance from the OfS on sector obligations to secure and promote freedom of speech. That guidance, known as Regulatory Advice 24, came into effect on 1 August. It is very detailed and extensive in scope, affecting many areas of University activity, and consequently many colleagues are currently working to ensure that we are, and will remain, fully compliant. One theme of the guidance is the importance of ensuring freedom of speech for all members of the community, which includes ensuring that the University does not itself speak or act in ways, for example in relation to external events, which may chill that freedom.

At the same time, especially during these culturally and politically polarised times, there are many events – locally, nationally, and internationally – which may impact members of our community and, especially if they are already marginalised, can add to feelings of fear and anxiety. The recent anti-migrant demonstrations in London are an example. We must all continue to support and express the University’s commitments to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive working and learning environment for all of our diverse community of students and staff.

In that regard, I am especially delighted that we will be hosting Luke Tryl at our next In Conversation event (see below for details).

This month, I highlight:

• our updated Personal Relationship Policy and Procedure
• how to report bullying and harassment through Report and Support
• the Staff Disability Network is seeking a new Co-Chair
• Black History Month events
• finding common ground at our next Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event
• new Disability Awareness training 

Updated Personal Relationships Policy and Procedure

Our updated Personal Relationships Policy and Procedure set out expectations around intimate relationships, to help safeguard and protect students and staff from inappropriate behaviour. They also outline the requirement to declare existing and new intimate relationships and the process to do this. At Sussex, we expect that those in positions of power or trust demonstrate appropriate behaviour and do not abuse their position in any way. The updated policy further strengthens our commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment and maintaining a positive and supportive workplace in which everyone is treated fairly.

You can view all staff policies and student policies on our webpages.

Report bullying and harassment through Report and Support

If you or someone else has experienced unwanted behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse, or discrimination, you can let us know using our Report and Support tool. All staff, students, and visitors can use the site to make a report to the University so that an adviser can talk you through options for support or further action.

Staff Disability Network seeking new Co-Chair

The Staff Disability Network is seeking a new Co-Chair to help lead its work in supporting disabled colleagues and contributing to a more accessible and inclusive University. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to disability inclusion work and to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation. If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact Samira Vance in the EDI team (s.vance@sussex.ac.uk).

Black History Month events

October is Black History Month, a time to reflect on, honour and celebrate the contributions and lived experiences of Black communities. The Black at Sussex programme is supporting a range of events and creative projects throughout the month. These include:

• Alumni Portraits Exhibition: Launch of the full Eddie Otchere alumni portrait series in the Library. Eddie will open this year’s programme at an event in the Library on 15 October from 5pm–7pm.
  
  
• BARCO x Brighton & Hove Museums – ‘Black Lives Matter’: A co-curated art exhibition to be hosted on campus in the Library. BARCO (Brighton & Hove Anti Racism Community Organisation) aims to improve the lives and experiences of Black people living, working, studying and visiting Brighton & Hove.
  
  
• Mid Street Lab – ‘Bridging Heritage’: Student-centred activations including an interactive photo exhibition (on campus and at The Vault in Brighton), a group show across seafront venues, creative mapping of Black-owned/cultural sites, and community art walks.
  
  
• BHASVIC Black History Month Outreach: An outreach stall hosted by Black at Sussex at BHASVIC sixth form college on 9 October.
  
  
• Welcome Week/Reading Culture: Afrori Books partnership activity during Welcome Week and launch of Black at Sussex book clubs. The first will be open to Black participants initially and, following that, will be open to all.

Further details about these events will be shared soon.

Finding common ground at our next Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event

With increasing cultural and political polarisation in many countries, our next Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event will explore why this may be happening. Luke Tryl, public commentator and UK Director of More in Common will be joining us for a talk and panel discussion with members of the University community on Tuesday 18 November at 5.30pm. The event is part of our ongoing work to support a culture of listening and understanding across our University community. Booking details will be available soon and the event is open to all.

New Disability Awareness training 

The University has recently launched new mandatory online learning on Disability Awareness with the aim of ensuring all staff have a clear understanding of our legal and regulatory responsibilities in relation to disabled colleagues, students and members of the public. The training, which takes around one hour to complete, will help you develop a stronger understanding of disability inclusion, the barriers disabled people face, and the role we all play in creating a more accessible and inclusive University.

And finally, a reminder of upcoming holy days, religious and communal festivals that will be marked by members of the University.

Shana Tova to all of our Jewish staff and students celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, from Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 September. On Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 October, students and staff may be fasting for Yom Kippur; please be aware as they mark this solemn occasion. Sukkot follows, from Monday 6 to Monday 13 October. Look out for the sukkah, a temporary booth constructed for the Sukkot, in Library Square which has details about the seven-day festival.

Navaratri, the Hindu festival observed in honour of the goddess Durga, will be celebrated from Monday 22 September to Sunday 2 October.

The Pagan festival of Samhain will be marked on campus on Wednesday 29  September at 1.30pm outside the Meeting House.

Sunday 9 October marks the Birth of the Sikh Guru Ram Das Ji.

And the Buddhist festival of Kathina is from Tuesday 7 October to Friday 5 November. The festival traditionally marks the time at which a community gifted robes to itinerant monks. Today, some Buddhists maintain the tradition, and some may visit temples during this time.

With good wishes,   

David Ruebain    
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)

Coming up:

• Bi Visibility Day, 23 September
• International Older Persons Day, 1 October
• Black History Month, 1-31 October
• Dyslexia Awareness Week, 6-13 October
• National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 11-18 October
• Intersex Awareness Day, 26 October

Information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.

This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.