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Hi everyone, 

During Black History Month we’ve had a chance to celebrate how diverse our university community is and the value that we all bring. 

You might have noticed banners which proudly display a few of the reasons why Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is a great place to study around campus. Some of these celebrate our achievements in creating an inclusive and supportive community for our students and staff. I'm proud to say that Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ has one of the most diverse student and staff populations of any university in the UK, and we were the first university to be awarded the Silver Race Equality Charter Award in 2023. You might be wondering why this is important. Well, we work hard as a university to not only improve our equality and diversity but to proactively challenge racism and build an anti-racist community. It’s for this reason we won the award.  

Your voice is essential to the work we’re doing to make our university anti-racist. That’s why we’re inviting you to join the Race Equality Charter Critical Friends Group. This group, which meets three times a year, brings together students and staff to reflect on the steps the university is taking toward becoming an anti-racist institution. By joining, you'll have the chance to make a real impact, share your experiences, and develop valuable skills in constructive communication – skills that are highly valued by future employers. Learn more and sign up here. 

Earlier this month, I attended the opening of an exhibition at The Gallery (on our campus) called 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark. The exhibition aims to uncover and highlight the overlooked histories of Black women, celebrating their contribution to the community. I was really moved by the exhibition. Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Professor Bertha Ochieng is featured in the exhibition. Embrace the cultural opportunities at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ and make sure you stop by the Gallery in the VJ Patel building before the exhibition closes in January. 

Black history isn’t just a month, and we have events continuing beyond October. Equality and diversity are part of our fabric at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ and we want to create a university where you can succeed and feel you belong. 

Over the coming year, I will be holding ‘Tea with the VC’ which is arranged through your faculty. It gives me chance to invite some of you to visit me in Trinity House, for you to learn a bit more about how decisions are made in the university and to share some of the experiences that you have. Look out for the opportunities over the year and I look forward to meeting you.