Broadcast: News items

On Tuesday 17 October, David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality & Inclusion) emailed all staff. You can read the message below:

Dear Colleagues,  

First, I want to acknowledge the unimaginable suffering in Gaza and Israel. Many on campus, particularly Jewish and Palestinian members of our community, are upset, scared and angry. As much as we can, please reach out to them and to each other. Please do use the Report and Support tool if you experience or witness any unacceptable behaviour and make use of the health and wellbeing support as outlined in the Vice-Chancellor’s recent update.

In this month’s update, I’d like to talk about:  

• Race Equality Charter Bronze award received 
• Freedom of speech and its boundaries lecture, 15 November 
• Open Listening workshops available to book 
• New co-chairs of Ethnic Minority Staff Network announced 
• Disability Essentials e-learning for all staff  
• Black History Month events  
• In Conversation event on inclusive leadership, 18 October 

Coming up: 

• Intersex Awareness Day (26 Oct)
   

Race Equality Charter Bronze award received 

As some of you will know, over the last four years we have been exploring the extent of structural racism and inequity at the University, overseen by the Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team and this summer we finalised a submission for a Race Equality Charter award from Advance HE. This submission sought to be thorough and not flinch from harsh realities. We have now heard that we have been successful and have received a Bronze award, recognising both the work undertaken to understand inequality at Sussex, and also the action plan we have put in place to address it. Further information about the action plan and the work to address the issues will be shared soon.

Freedom of speech and its boundaries lecture, 15 November 

In last month’s update, I talked about freedom of speech and academic freedom as not only legal and regulatory obligations for the University, but also foundational requirements which support the diversity of perspectives that are central to critical inquiry, education and research. Earlier this month, I gave the inaugural lecture of a series on freedom of speech at King’s College, London. I sought to explore the boundaries of free speech, problem areas and its intersection with equality and inclusion. The lecture also examined the extent to which higher education institutions and other public bodies may adopt positions on areas of public contestation. I will be delivering that lecture, titled ‘Freedom of speech – can you draw a line?’ here on campus on 15 November from 5pm – 6pm, and welcome all staff and students to join me. Please do book your place.  

Open Listening workshops available to book 

Following the conclusion of a successful pilot, you can now sign up to take part in one of our in-person Open Listening workshops taking place on campus between 14 and 21 November. Open to all staff, these experiential and practical sessions look at conflict and how working with it can lead to understanding, stronger relationships, and positive change. No experience is required, just come with an open mind and readiness to engage with the topic. 

New co-chairs of Ethnic Minority Staff Network announced

The Ethnic Minority Staff Network is for all staff who define themselves as belonging to a minority ethnic group. It provides the opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the University community, share information and offer peer support. I am pleased to announce that Parveen Mungroo, Senior Project Manager in the Sussex Projects team, and Dr Madina Tash, Lecturer in Finance in the Business School, are the new Co-Chairs of the Ethnic Minority Staff Network. You can get in touch with the network at: bame-staff@sussex.ac.uk.  

Disability Essentials e-learning for all staff 

We have recently introduced Disability Essentials, a new introductory e-learning course designed to support staff in their knowledge and engagement with disabled staff and students. Written by a discrimination barrister who is a disabled person, the short course aims to promote respect and dignity across our campus community. We encourage all staff to complete the course which is available on our e-learning platform LearnUpon. 

Black History Month events 

Black History Month continues through October and this year’s theme is Saluting our Sisters. A number of events are taking place at the University. These include First Contact, a free exhibition by leading photographers Charlie Phillips and Eddie Otchere at the Attenborough Centre from today, Tuesday 17 October to Sunday 19 November. Commissioned as part of our Black at Sussex programme, the exhibition features portraits of alumni including novelist Diana Evans, academic Paul Gilroy, theatre director Lynette Linton and artists Topher Campbell and Michael McMillan. The exhibition celebrates their success whilst posing challenging questions about the history of the University. There is also a film screening of Rafiki, the story of romance between two young women in Kenya, tomorrow, Wednesday 18 October. Further information and booking arrangements for other events are available on the Staff Hub. I look forward to seeing some of you. 

In Conversation event on inclusive leadership, 18 October 

Our next Inclusive Sussex: In Conversation event is tomorrow, Wednesday 18 October from 5.30pm – 7pm. We will be joined by Lela Kogbara, who brings together individuals, local communities and organisations to address the structural barriers that prevent Black people from thriving. We also welcome Jane Farrell, a specialist in inclusive leadership, unconscious bias, organisational change and cultural adaptability. The event, hosted together with the University of Sussex Business School, will feature a panel of staff including Dr Benjamin Everly and Dr Zahira Jeser, senior lecturers at the Business School. The event, which is open to all, is fully booked but you are welcome to join the waiting list by emailing: events@sussex.ac.uk.  
 

With good wishes,  

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

Coming up:  

Intersex Awareness Day – 26 October: We will be sharing information about the day, as well as support channels, on the Staff Hub.