Queen’s University Belfast Launches Racial Equity Programme

Queen's University Belfast, a Russell Group member, has embraced inclusivity through its Race Equality Charter. The university's Racial Equity Programme, led by the Racial Equity Champions Network, is a key initiative promoting ethnic and cultural parity. This programme has gained momentum across campus, driving transformative initiatives promoting inclusivity and diversity.

A recent conference on Race Equality in Higher Education, featuring Queen's students and academics, researchers and practitioners, aimed to advance solutions-based approaches to race equality in education, research and societal engagement.

The Ethnic Representation Index 2023 highlights the need for UK universities to address racial disparities in student populations and academic staff representation. With a quarter reporting a B.A.M.E student population of 50 per cent or more and a third exceeding 40 per cent, diversity among students is substantial.

78 universities, including Queens University, have pledged to advance HE's Race Equality Charter, aiming to address barriers faced by Black and Minority Ethnic Students (BAME) staff and students through proactive initiatives, promoting an inclusive academic environment.

Karen McCloskey, Academic lead Race Equality Charter, Queens University Belfast, said, “The University is a melting point for students from various ethnic groups living and studying together in perfect harmony and by addressing racial needs we are taking a significant step towards enhancing their comfort and sense of belonging at the campus.”