How can universities promote inclusion and support their LGBTQ+ students and staff on campus?
Alex Prestage (Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Queen Mary University London) and All Laville (Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Reading) are two EDI practitioners seeking to solve these issues through data insight and information sharing on campus.Â
Kitty Hadaway and business psychologist Binna Kandola sat down with Alex and All to discuss how they leverage data to provide tailored support to LGBTQ+ students, and implement practical initiatives in the classroom to promote inclusivity across the LBGTQ+ umbrella. Hit play below to listen to the discussion 👇
Top takeaways
- Collecting data on sexual orientation is key to identifying the support that is truly aligned with the needs of LGBTQ+ people
- While crunching the numbers can help EDI practitioners set benchmarks and targets, understanding lived experience is just as importantÂ
- Effective EDI training should seek to build confidence and provide space for the un-inducted to ask questions about LGBTQ+ issues they lack clarity on – meet people where they’re at!
- Assume positive intent when people get it wrong, and help people understand how something could be understood if it was taken un-generously – people appreciate it
Â
Enjoyed this discussion? You might also be interested in our interview series, where we sit down with a range of Higher Education leaders to discuss EDI and student wellbeing issues.
1 Comment
[…] EDIhigher educationRoundtablestudent engagement Danushi Fernando – Director of LBGTQ+ and Gender Resources @ Vassar College Previous Article […]