The University of Aberdeen has been awarded its first Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze award in recognition of its commitment to advancing race equality. The University is the third Scottish Institution to hold a REC award.
The Race Equality Charter’s mission is to improve the representation, experience, progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students within higher education. It provides a rigorous and robust framework through which institutions work to critically reflect and act on institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of the progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students. There are currently 101 Race Equality Charter members, holding 50 awards between them.
Anne Mwangi, Head of the Race Equality Charter, said: “The Race Equality Charter Bronze award is recognition of an institution’s robust foundation for eliminating racial inequalities, developing inclusive cultures and moving from commitment to sustainable and integrated bold and ambitious action. Advance HE looks forward to supporting the University of Aberdeen as it progresses its action plans to advance race equality”
Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor commented: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the members of the University Race Equality Strategy Group as well as to colleagues in the central EDI Team for their contribution to this success. As a University which strives to be open and welcoming, diverse and inclusive, we recognise the reality of systemic racism.
“In the last five years, we have been building momentum around antiracism work, engaging with staff, students, and partners and across the sector, and have developed a progressive Antiracism Strategy, which presents our vision for creating an antiracist University. Our Antiracism Action Plan has been designed to target the areas where issues have been identified through the REC process. We will be working with our staff and students to ensure change is tangible and impactful."