South East Technological University (SETU) launched its Gender Identity and Expression policy this week with cross-campus events to show its commitment to supporting diversity and to creating a safe, welcoming and empowering place to work and learn for all. SETU strives to be a place where transgender, non-binary, and intersex staff and students can live as their true selves and fulfil their potential.
The first of two cross-campus events took place at SETU’s Waterford campus today (Wednesday) with a second to occur tomorrow (Thursday) at university’s Carlow campus.
A core aim for SETU, as set out in its strategic plan ‘Connecting for Impact’, is to create an environment that embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion in which all members of the university’s community are treated with dignity and respect. These values are encompassed in the policy that is underpinned by the key principle of respect for all students and staff. In addition to this, SETU also launched its key guidelines and procedures that ensure the policy is implemented and that staff and students can thrive during their time in higher education.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU said, “At SETU, we believe that a sense of belonging is essential for an individual to thrive in higher education. A supportive university environment is crucial to enable a person to embrace learning and fulfil their potential both academically and professionally. The launch of the Gender Identity and Expression Policy is a roadmap for SETU in its continued efforts to recognise the strength of diversity as an organisation. I commend the work of our EDI team on their remarkable achievements to date and want to express to our students and staff that SETU is a place at which you are accepted in being yourself – a place where you can achieve your educational and professional goals.”
On the introduction of the new policy, Mary Butler TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, said, “The Government is committed to making Ireland a country in which everyone can safely live, work, and enjoy their lives without barriers, discrimination, and intolerance. Through the introduction of this new policy, SETU is putting this aim into action, and ensuring its campus continues to be a safe, welcoming, and supportive place to study and learn for all.”
The launch of this new policy is a continuation of immense work accomplished by SETU’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, led by Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for EDI. Earlier in 2023, the team was presented with Europe’s first Inclusive Gender Equality Champion award by the European Commission in Brussels in recognition of SETU’s innovative gender equality plans. Additionally, SETU currently leads a national project with other partner higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop and embed a sustainable Gender Identity and Expression Training Programme across HEIs, funded by the Higher Education Authority. This has led to the creation of Ireland’s first Gender Identity and Expression Higher Education National Network.
SETU community looks forward to implementing this policy and to working with all in the university to make SETU a safe, welcoming, and supportive place to study and learn for all.