South East Technological University’s (SETU) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) office have launched a voluntary initiative to promote a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ staff and students.
The SETU Rainbow Badge is an initiative to help foster an inclusive, tolerant and supportive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community in the University and is based on the very successful HSE scheme.
Welcoming atmosphere
The aim of the badge is to promote a non-judgmental, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere at SETU for all LGBTQIA+ students and staff. Those who choose to wear the rainbow badge are signalling a willingness to engage, and have aknowledge of the services and supports available around LGBTQIA+ issues.
Develop cultural empathy
Developing and embedding cultural competence in an organisation requires a focus on knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes at all levels. The SETU Rainbow Badge has been developed to ensure that staff and students are given the opportunity to expand cultural empathy, and enhance awareness of the cultural needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Training
Over 60 staff and students across SETU have completed their training and have been awarded their badges, and the feedback was an overwhelmingly positive from participants.
SETU’s EDI office will continue to roll out this initiative across the University. Anne Hallinan, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Administrator at SETU said:
“The instructions for completing the training are straightforward, and it can be completed within two hours. I really valued the opportunity to complete the Rainbow Badge training last year. It was a chance to reflect on how we can all contribute to creating a university environment where people feel safe, respected and included. I believe ongoing learning and awareness are an important part of creating meaningful and lasting change.”
Celebrating Pride Month
SETU’s EDI team celebrated Pride Month across SETU’s campuses in June, with staff coffee mornings. Colleagues gathered to celebrate community, connection and inclusion while enjoying a lively game of music bingo.
Featuring everything from ABBA and Whitney Houston to George Michael, and Chappell Roan, the bingo got colleagues talking, laughing, testing their music knowledge and even inspired a little dancing along the way.
Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm SETU’s commitment to creating an inclusive university where everyone feels respected, valued and that they belong.
“A big thank you to everyone who joined us and to all those who helped make our Pride Coffee Mornings such an enjoyable part of this year’s celebrations,” said Anne.
SETU staff and students interested in taking part in the Rainbow Badge initiative please contact the EDI team.