News

David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), wrote to all staff on Tuesday 22 October. Read the full message below:

Dear Colleague, 

October marks Black History Month, which aims to highlight the historical, social, and cultural achievements of Black people across the globe, while acknowledging the injustices they have endured. There have been a variety of events happening at Sussex and in our local community and you can find out more in this recent article. I particularly enjoyed Clive Myrie in conversation with the Vice-Chancellor last week. Amongst a number of reflections, it was fascinating to hear Clive discuss identity and being a ‘Black journalist’.
 
You can find out more about recent work towards race equality at Sussex, as well as other EDI news, in this month’s update including:

• Race and education in focus at In Conversation with event on 9 October
• Partnering with the Aziz Foundation to offer scholarships for British Muslim students
• Race Equality Charter update: Race Equality Advocates
• Whose South Downs? event, 30 October
• Transgender and non-binary lives celebrated at In Conversation with event on 15 October
• Athena Swan Bronze awards announced

Race and education in focus at In Conversation with event on 9 October

Professor Kalwant Bhopal of the University of Birmingham joined us for our In Conversation with event recently, talking about themes in her book Race and Education: Reproducing White Supremacy in Britain. Sharing insights from her research, Kalwant explored the issues of gender versus race, the impact of equality charter work and ways for allies to support the fight against racism. As a renowned Critical Race Theorist, Kalwant’s work supports our aim to explore different forms of racism and religious discrimination. Read more and view photos from the event.

Partnering with the Aziz Foundation to offer scholarships for British Muslim students

The Aziz Foundation offers Masters scholarships for British Muslim students and Sussex is one of the foundation’s university partners. Jointly we offer five fee-paying scholarships a year for British Muslim students to do a Masters degree at Sussex.
 
During Islamophobia Awareness Month, the Aziz Foundation is hosting an event for undergraduate students on campus on Monday 18 November from 2pm-4pm where Sussex students can find out more about scholarship opportunities. Students will also hear from inspirational speakers, including previous Aziz scholars who will be sharing insights and reflections about how the scholarship has impacted their studies and careers.

Race Equality Charter update: Race Equality Advocates

We continue to make progress on our Race Equality Charter (REC) commitments and a number of Race Equality Advocates (REAs) support this vital work. Our REAs are student representatives who work closely with staff and peers as part of the University’s efforts to address the awarding gap, helping to build inclusion and address racial disparities within the University.
 
The REA scheme forms part of our broader REC goals, which also include work to decolonise the curriculum and foster a more inclusive environment. You can learn more about how the REAs support our REC commitments.

Whose South Downs? event on 30 October

A wonderful creative event, supported by the Black at Sussex programme, is happening at the Meeting House next Wednesday, 30 October, where Writing our Legacy will explore Sussex landscapes and seascapes with readings, singing and discussion. There will also be a short screening from We Hear You Now, an immersive soundwalk between Seaford and Eastbourne via the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven, and an optional creative walk around campus afterwards. Book your ticket.

Transgender and non-binary lives celebrated at In Conversation with event on 15 October

The Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network hosted our latest In Conversation with event last week. I was pleased that Fox Fisher, a Brighton-based artist, author and filmmaker, joined us to share a number of short films from My Genderation, a film project focusing on the lives of transgender and non-binary people, followed by questions and reflections from the audience of staff and students. The films were moving and honest, shining a light on the joys and challenges experienced by transgender and non-binary people of all generations and identities. Keep an eye on the Staff Hub for a full news story soon.

Athena Swan Bronze awards announced

I am delighted to share my congratulations to the School of Engineering and Informatics and the University of Sussex Business School which both achieved Athena Swan Bronze awards recently. Earlier this year, the School of Education and Social Work received its first Athena Swan Bronze award, and the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences also renewed its Bronze award.
 
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. The University holds an Athena Swan Institutional Bronze award. Currently seven of our Schools hold Athena Swan awards - four bronze, two silver and one gold - and all remaining Schools have a plan to submit an application in the 2024/25 academic year.
 
Finally, I wanted to send my good wishes to those in our community who will be celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, from 1 November and to those celebrating and observing other festivals below.

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

Recent events:

• International Day of Older People, 1 October 
• Dyslexia Awareness Week, 2-7 October
• National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 12-19 October

Coming up:

• Intersex Awareness Day, 26 October 
• Islamophobia Awareness Month, 1-30 November
• Anti-Bullying Week, 11-15 November  
• Disability History Month, 16 November–16 December
• Transgender Awareness Week, 13-19 November and Transgender Day of Remembrance, 20 November  
• International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November

Religious days and observances:

• Samhain, 31 October
• All Hallows Eve, 31 October
• Diwali, 1 November
• All Saints Day, 1 November
• Birth of the Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 8 November
• Shaheedi Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, 24 November
• Gur Gadi Guru Gobind Singh Ji, 24 November
• Kathina Festival, full moon in November
• Lha Bab Duchen, full moon in November

Further information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub and you can view further faith days and diversity dates in our Equality and Inclusion Calendar 2024.

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