The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is committed to developing and promoting an inclusive community
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We wish to nurture the members of our community, with the aim to unlock the full potential of staff and students by helping to overcome any potential barriers relating (but not limited) to gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnic heritage, religious belief, physical and/or mental disability and neurodiversity.
We endeavour to build strong positive relationships within the School and with external partners and promote a common vision where diversity is valued by all. Everyone must be treated equally, with dignity and respect.
As a School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, we are aware of the importance of language and terminology when it comes to establishing what we mean by diversity. Finding the right, respectful terms to talk to each other about diversity is an ongoing, active process, and we continue to learn much from other members of the community. A key starting point for thinking about our language and policy is the Equality Act of 2010, which “legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.”
Differences are to be embraced and accepted. This includes the legal requirement to ensure that no individual is treated less favourably based on their protected characteristics of equality including age, disability, gender, gender reassignment status, marital or civil partnership status, political belief, pregnancy or maternity status, race (including ethnic origin, nationality and colour), religion or belief, sexual orientation, trade union membership, or any personal characteristic of the individual. Actions that undermine “dignity and respect” include harassment, bullying and victimization.