Broadcast: News items

Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Culture, Equality and Inclusion

Dear Colleague,  

I am sure that you are all aware of the University’s resounding success in obtaining judgement in its judicial review regarding alleged breaches of Conditions of Registration, quashing the Office for Student’s (OfS’s) decision and very significant fine. As the University’s Free Speech Officer, I was delighted that Sussex’s robust commitments to academic freedom and freedom of speech were recognised by the High Court. Sasha's statement and the legal judgment speak for themselves, and this week we heard that the OfS will not seek to appeal that judgment to the Court of Appeal. I am very glad that we can now continue to focus on maintaining and building both an inclusive and open university culture. 

In that regard, the OfS has indicated that they will be amending Regulatory Advice 24 – guidance for universities on securing and promoting free speech and academic freedom – and we will continue to work to embed processes and practices to ensure that we meet these obligations. Training is being developed which will initially be delivered to key staff teams.

Meanwhile, it was really pleasing to see so many examples of our inclusive and people-focused culture in the recent Sussex Awards ceremony, at which I presented both the Diverse and Inclusive Sussex and the Contribution to Campus Life awards. We received a very large number of nominations and it was such a pleasure to read of all of the many ways in which people support, care for and include other members of our campus community. 

This month I will also cover:

• Race Equality Charter Mid-Term Review
• National Day for Staff Networks
• International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
• International Pride Month and Brighton & Hove Community Pride Parade
• Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month
• The University’s Open Listening Programme
• Upcoming religious observances 

Race Equality Charter Mid-Term Review

When the University attained its Race Equality Charter Bronze Award in 2023, we were clear that this did not mean that we had concluded the work to address structural and systemic under representation and disadvantage and build a community in which racially minoritised staff and students had a full sense of belonging. Rather, the award recognised that the University has a credible plan to progress these goals. The activities are centred around key REC priorities including improving representation, reducing inequities in progression and outcomes, increasing engagement with race equity work, and strengthening belonging and confidence in institutional processes. 

We are now mid-way through the life of the award and last week we undertook a REC Mid-Term Review. The session brought together members of the REC Steering Group to reflect on progress so far, discuss areas where challenges remain, and explore priorities for the next phase of work. The review was facilitated by Tara Leach from Advance HE alongside REC Co-Chairs Hannah Wallace and Gaurish Chawla. Themes that emerged from these discussions include belonging, representation, progression, leadership trust, culture and student experience, as well as connecting REC activity with wider institutional priorities and long-term strategic goals. 

Addressing structural racism and creating a more equitable and inclusive University is a shared institutional responsibility that relies on engagement and action across all areas of the institution. The REC Steering Group will continue to meet termly to monitor progress and help maintain momentum across the University.

National Day for Staff Networks

Our staff networks are a key part of our work to build an Inclusive Sussex, where all members of our community have equal access to opportunities, can reach their full potential, and make a meaningful contribution. Our networks support the University community and enable the voices of a wide range of people to be heard so we can better understand and address barriers to equal representation, progression and reward. Last week we celebrated National Day for Staff Networks, including a well-attended Canine Cuddles event. You can read more about our staff networks and how to join one on the Staff Hub. 

Meanwhile, the Staff Neurodiversity Network is seeking a new Co-Chair to help lead its work in supporting neurodivergent colleagues and those curious about neurodiversity. The network also supports the University with its aim to be more inclusive and accessible. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to neuro-inclusion work and to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation. If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact the EDI Unit at edi.unit@sussex.ac.uk. 

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

IDAHOBIT is held each year on 17 May, commemorating the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases.

The day fosters a global moment for collective action, awareness, solidarity, and visibility, bringing together individuals, organisations, and governments under a shared global theme to highlight issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people around the world. Read more about this important and celebratory day, and see sources of support and networks for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. 

To mark IDAHOBIT, the LGBTQ+ Staff Network are going to Chaps and Straps Queer Line Dancing on Tuesday 26 May at Komedia Brighton. More information is available in the article linked above. 

International Pride Month and Brighton & Hove Community Pride Parade

Pride Month is celebrated globally during June, marking the Stonewall riots which took place on 28 June 1969. Pride Month is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ people and experiences, as well as to recognise the challenges and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people face in the UK and worldwide.   

Brighton & Hove Community Pride Parade takes place this year on Saturday 1 August, and the University will again have a walking party in the parade. To take part you will need to be available from 9am to 2pm, and you can sign up via this link. Staff, students and alumni are welcome to join the University’s group and we will operate a waiting list if we are oversubscribed.  

Ahead of Brighton Pride, Trans Pride Brighton is coming up on Saturday 18 July, welcoming trans people, their friends, allies and families. One of the largest Trans Pride events in Europe, Trans Pride Brighton aims to celebrate trans lives, educate, eliminate discrimination and promote equality and diversity. 

Staff may wish to explore relevant e-learning during Pride Month. In addition to the mandatory Diversity in the Workplace e-learning, the University also provides courses in Trans and Non-Binary Awareness and a guide for managers on Supporting Trans and Non-Binary People at Work. 

Marking Pride Month, the BSMS LGBTQ+ Network are hosting an in-person screening of the film Pride (2014) in the Audrey Emerton Building in Kemptown on Monday 1 June at 5.30pm. Pride is based on true events, exploring the work and story of the group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) during the miners’ strike which took place from 1984-1985. All staff are welcome to join – please email inclusivity@bsms.ac.uk to register.      

Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) is marked every June by communities across the UK. GRTHM seeks to challenge prejudice, amplify Gypsy, Roma and Traveller voices, and reshape public understanding, through celebration, education and awareness-raising. We will be flying the Traveller Movement flag above Sussex House for the period, and the Sussex Retold event on 19 June will include the opportunity to discover more about Sussex Gypsy Roma and Traveller heritage with historian Janet Keet-Black. 

In addition, the Widening Participation Team is supporting local schools to promote awareness and celebrate this rich but often misunderstood culture. The team supports schools particularly where there is a known representative contingent of students from these communities. Initiatives include providing awareness to school leads, promoting a more inclusive curriculum, and the provision of resources to help young people to better see themselves reflected within their learning institute. Additionally, Widening Participation will be contributing to a NERUPI (Network Evaluating & Researching University participation Interventions) conference focused on Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers – sharing our recognised good practice in this area. Please visit the EDI website to see our institutional commitment to this community, and read the full GRT History Month article. 

Open Listening Programme

I hope you are aware of the Open Listening Programme which we have developed and delivered at the University in partnership with consultant Jassy Denison. Isobel Pearce and I recently authored an article for the Higher Education Policy Institute on the programme and how it supports our aim to build a culture of understanding and connection. 

Upcoming religious observances

Some students and staff may be absent as they participate in Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. Precise dates depend on sightings of the moon, but Hajj is expected to be between 25 and 30 May. The Islamic New Year will begin the evening of Monday 15 or Tuesday 16 June, depending on the sighting of the moon. 

Pentecost, a major Christian festival, falls on 24 May this year. Trinity Sunday follows on the next Sunday, 31 May. Also beginning on 31 May is the Buddhist festival of Saka Dawa, celebrating the life of the Buddha. 

With good wishes

David

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

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.