South East Technological University’s (SETU) president, Professor Veronica Campbell, today signed the Higher Education Authority’s (HEA) Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions on behalf of the university. Prof. Campbell was joined by Dr Jennie Rothwell and Laura Austin of the HEA in signing the principles at SETU’s Carlow Campus.
In March 2023, the HEA launched its Anti-Racism Principles which aim to harness the power of Irish HEIs as leaders of positive societal change that challenges racial inequality. The principles were developed by the HEA through consultation with higher education stakeholders and the expert advice of the Athena Swan Ireland Intersectionality Working Group. The HEA invited higher education institution (HEI) presidents to sign and endorse the principles. Through signing the principles, HEIs acknowledge that race inequality is an issue in Irish higher education and, more broadly in Irish society. SETU’s signing of the principles signifies the university’s willingness to create change and support diversity in its community.
Speaking about the significance of the Anti-racism Principles, Prof. Veronica Campbell said, “I’m very happy to sign these principles on behalf of SETU and firmly place our university at the forefront of societal change in Ireland with regards to tackling issues of racial inequality within the education system, and further afield. The impact higher education on regional and national development cannot be understated and ensuring that institutions, such as our own, develop an environment of equality and a staff and student community that is reflective of Ireland’s diverse population, is key to that. I wholeheartedly support the HEA’s work in advancing anti-racism policy and race equality.”
Dr Jennie Rothwell, Senior Manager of the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion said: "It is great to attend the SETU campus in Carlow for the signing of the Anti-Racism Principles by the SETU President, Prof. Campbell. Signing up and endorsing the principles demonstrates SETU's commitment to race equality and to embedding anti-racism in the university's institutional culture on all campuses."
In October 2021, the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion published the first national race equality report, 'Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector', following the first National Race Equality Survey of all HEIs.
In September 2022, the HEA Centre of Excellence for EDI published the Race Equality Implementation Plan 2022-2024. A key action in this implementation plan was the development of a statement on race equality and a national conference on race equality.
