Race inequality exists in Irish higher education
In 2021, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) conducted the first ever online survey on race equality in Irish higher education.
Almost half of the people surveyed agreed that "race inequality exists in Irish higher education."
A significant number pointed out that colleges and universities play a key role in tackling racial inequalities in society.
The survey results were part of a HEA report called "Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector", which included 32 recommendations.
In September 2022, the Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion launched the Race Equality Implementation Plan for 2022-2024, based on the recommendations in the Race Equality Survey Report 2021. This plan requires all Irish higher education institutions to develop a race equality action plan to promote race equality within their institutions and in wider society.
In line with this commitment, the UL Human Rights-EDI Office has developed a comprehensive Race Equality Action Plan that places the concerns of racialised students and staff at the heart of each action and policy, aiming to eliminate racial inequalities at the institutional level. This Action Plan is in the approval process and is scheduled to be officially launched in the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025.
Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions
On March 20 2023, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the HEA launched the Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions to challenge racism and race inequality. These principles are as follows:
- Race inequality exists in Irish higher education. Racism is a problem in Ireland, and it's present in colleges and universities every day.
- Colleges that allow race inequality can't reach their full potential.
- Anti-racism efforts should focus on long-term changes to the system, not just individuals.
- Racism isn't always obvious; it can show up in everyday actions and behaviours, like microaggressions.
- People from different ethnic backgrounds experience race inequalities differently.
- Anti-racism actions and policies should consider how race inequality intersects with other protected characteristics under Irish law.
On Friday, June 23, 2023, the UL President at the time publicly signed the HEA Anti-Racism Principles, accompanied by HEA representatives.
In line with this commitment, the Human Rights-EDI Office at UL is dedicated to working towards ending racism at both the individual and institutional levels, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and equity throughout UL.
We are committed to contributing to the national objectives of quality and academic excellence, developing a talent pipeline for our citizens, ensuring equity of access, leading and contributing to world-class research and development through national and international engagement, and ensuring governance, leadership and operational excellence.
UL@50 Strategic Plan 2019-2024
Race Equality Framework and Action Plan 2024–2027
On 23 October 2024, the University of Limerick achieved a significant milestone by launching the UL Race Equality Action Plan. We are proud that this action plan reflects the voices of our staff and students from racialised groups, embedding the principle of race equality at the heart of every action we take and every decision we make at UL. The launch event was strongly supported by UL Acting President, Professor Shane Kilcommins, and featured a powerful keynote speech by prominent scholar, Professor Kalwant Bhopal, from the University of Birmingham.
