Race Equity

We begin our journey with a foundational workshop aimed at addressing the biases we picked up as children. This workshop will serve as the first step in our comprehensive strategy, providing participants with the essential knowledge and tools to understand and engage with issues of race and systemic inequities. The workshop will focus on 1) Raising awareness of unconscious biases and what is lying dormant in our minds that we are not even aware of and how that shapes our beliefs and behaviour as we encounter different groups of people, and 2) Introducing key concepts of race equity and the historical context of racial inequalities. 

Our work aims to lead to:  

Increased Awareness: 

• Participants will develop a heightened awareness of the impact of race-based interactions on individuals and communities. 

• They will recognize the influence of societal norms and cultural structures in shaping perceptions and behaviours related to race or ethnicity. 

Empathy and Perspective-Taking: 

• Engaging in activities such as "Walk in My Shoes" will foster empathy as participants explore scenarios from different racial or ethnic perspectives. 

• Participants will develop the ability to understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints, leading to greater empathy and understanding in interpersonal interactions. 

Critical Reflection: 

• Through reflective journaling and group discussions, participants will critically reflect on their own beliefs and biases regarding race and ethnicity. 

• They will identify implicit biases and challenge assumptions, leading to deeper self-awareness and personal growth. 

Cultural Appreciation: 

• The "Cultural Exchange" activity will promote appreciation and celebration of diverse cultural backgrounds. 

• Participants will recognize the richness and value of cultural diversity, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging within the group. 

Communication and Dialogue: 

By engaging in open and respectful dialogue, participants will enhance their communication skills around sensitive topics such as race and ethnicity 

Understanding that one workshop alone cannot achieve deep-rooted change, we will establish a Reading Club as the next step in our strategy. The Reading Club will serve as a platform for continuous learning and discussion, encouraging participants to explore race-related literature, case studies, and current events. This initiative aims to: 

• Keep the conversation on race equity alive by providing a space for ongoing reflection and dialogue. 

• Facilitate deeper understanding through diverse perspectives and shared experiences. 

• Foster a community of learners who are committed to personal and collective growth in the area of race equity. 

To embed race equity into the fabric of our institution, we will introduce an Intercultural Education Module, designed to be delivered over an extended period. This module will: 

• Offer in-depth education on intercultural competencies, global perspectives, and the impact of Eurocentrism in academia. 

• Encourage participants to critically assess their own cultural frameworks and the influence of these frameworks on their professional and academic practices. 

• Provide tools and strategies for incorporating diverse, global knowledge into course content and pedagogy, ensuring a more inclusive curriculum that reflects the realities of our multicultural world. 

Central to our approach is the establishment of a robust reporting mechanism that supports individuals who experience racial discrimination or harassment. This mechanism will: 

• Provide a safe and confidential platform for victims to report incidents without fear of retaliation. 

• Offer emotional support and counseling services to aid in the healing process. 

• Incorporate principles of transformative justice, focusing on healing, accountability, and the restoration of relationships rather than punitive measures alone. 

Recognising the critical role that academics play in shaping the minds and perspectives of our students, we will support faculty members in reviewing and revising their courses and modules. This support will include: 

• Workshops and resources to help academics integrate global knowledge and perspectives into their teaching, moving beyond Eurocentric narratives. 

• Collaborative sessions where faculty can share best practices, challenges, and successes in creating an inclusive curriculum. 

• Continuous professional development opportunities to ensure that all academic staff are equipped to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. 

At TU Dublin, our commitment to race equity is unwavering, but we understand that achieving real transformation requires more than a single intervention. Our multi-layered approach—comprising an initial workshop, a sustained Reading Club, an Intercultural Education Module, a supportive reporting mechanism, and dedicated academic support—aims to create a lasting impact that resonates throughout our institution. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and action, we can ensure that race equity is not just a conversation but a lived reality for all members of our community. 

TU Dublin Plan of Change for Race Equity 2021-2026 

The University’s Plan of Change for Race Equity aims to build an intercultural university that is anti-racist and facilitates a true sense of belonging and empowerment for all members of the university community. A key output of TU Dublin’s Race Equity Plan was the establishment of a Race Equity Community of Practice in 2021, which is working to develop TU Dublin’s racial literacy, build fluency in the four dimensions of discrimination, and actively and constructively address harm and discrimination. Link to the plan here:  

TU-Dublin-Plan-of-Change-for-Race-Equity-2021-2026.pdf   

Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector 

In 2021, the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ran the first National Race Equality Survey of all HEIs. The aim of the survey was to capture the lived experience of HEI staff in relation to race equality. The findings of this survey, alongside policy recommendations were included in the Race Equality Report, published in October 2021. Link to the report here: 

HEA - Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector 

TU Dublin Race Equity Community of Practice 

The Race Equity Community of Practice enables: 

• Deepening of knowledge of dimensions of racism, taking an intersectional approach to addressing inequalities and how to implement structural change 

• Robust understanding of intersectional dimensions of discrimination and harm 

• Acknowledgement of harm and what healing from harm involves  

• Transference of knowledge to practice, with the goal of continually working to become anti-racist educators and practitioners.  

• TU Dublin educators, practitioners and students as leaders in this field, contributing to the sectoral and national move away from primarily individualized understandings of racism – related to ‘good’ or ‘bad’ people – and toward understandings of racism, and other forms of harm and discrimination, as structural and requiring personal and societal transformation.  

Lead Facilitators: 

Brid Ni Chonaill, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, brid.nichonaill@tudublin.ie 

Melody Chinenyanga, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead Race Equity, melody.chinenyanga@tudublin.ie 

Target Membership: 

All Academic and Professional, Management and Support Staff 

More information about the Community of Practice here: Communities of Practice | TU Dublin 

Anti-racism principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions 

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) launched by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on the 20th of March 2023, the Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions aim to harness the power that Irish Higher education institutions (HEIs) have as leaders of positive change in society to challenge racism and race inequality. Reflective of the diversity in Ireland’s population, these Anti-Racism Principles seek to embed a culture of race equality across higher education. 

TU Dublin signed the Anti-racism principles, following the publication of the University’s Race Equity Plan., thus strengthening its commitment to building an anti-racist and intercultural university.  

More information here: Archive 2023 | TU Dublin Signs Anti-Racism Principles for Higher Education | TU Dublin 

Link to the document: HEA - Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions 

 

TU Dublin EDI Race Equity Initiative: A Multi-Layered Approach for Sustainable Transformation 

At TU Dublin, we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). In our pursuit to become a beacon of EDI excellence in higher education, we recognise the path to race equity as an ongoing commitment that demands a thorough and layered approach. This document outlines our strategic plan to dismantle entrenched habits and beliefs, enhance intercultural understanding, and foster an inclusive academic environment for everyone. Should you wish for more information or to engage further with these initiatives, please contact Melody Chinenyanga at Melody.Chinenyanga@TUDublin.ie. 

1. Initial Unity in Diversity Workshop: Establishing the Groundwork

Our journey begins with a fundamental workshop designed to confront the biases ingrained from childhood. This introductory session is crucial in our holistic strategy, equipping participants with vital insights and tools to address race-related issues and systemic inequities. The workshop focuses on raising awareness of subconscious biases and introducing pivotal concepts of race equity and the historical backdrop of racial inequalities. 

Outcomes of the workshop include: 

Increased Awareness: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how race influences individual and community interactions and the role of societal and cultural frameworks in shaping race-related perceptions and actions. 

Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Activities such as "Walk in My Shoes" will cultivate empathy by presenting scenarios from various racial or ethnic viewpoints. 

Critical Reflection: Through activities like reflective journaling and group discussions, attendees will examine their own racial and ethnic perceptions and biases. 

Cultural Appreciation: The "Cultural Exchange" activity will encourage the celebration of diverse cultural heritages, enhancing inclusion and belonging. 

Communication and Dialogue: By fostering open and respectful discussions, participants will improve their ability to communicate about sensitive race-related topics. 

2. Reading Club: Continuing the Conversation

Recognising that a single workshop is not enough for profound change, we have set up a Reading Club to maintain and deepen the dialogue. This club will be a platform for ongoing education and discussion, allowing members to delve into race-related literature, case studies, and current events, fostering a community committed to continuous growth in understanding race equity. 

3. Intercultural Education Module: In-depth Learning

To integrate race equity thoroughly into our institutional fabric, we will launch an Intercultural Education Module. This extensive educational initiative will educate on intercultural competencies and the impact of Eurocentrism in academia, encouraging a critical evaluation of one's cultural perspectives and their influence on professional and academic practices. 

4. Reporting Mechanism: Support and Healing

A robust reporting mechanism will be central to our strategy, offering a confidential platform for individuals to report racial discrimination or harassment. This mechanism will provide necessary support and counselling, focusing on healing and accountability rather than solely on punitive measures. 

5. Academic Support: Cultivating an Inclusive Curriculum

Academics play a pivotal role in shaping student perspectives. We will assist faculty in integrating global knowledge and perspectives into their teaching through workshops and collaborative sessions, promoting an inclusive curriculum that moves beyond Eurocentric narratives. 

Conclusion 

Our commitment to race equity at TU Dublin is unwavering. Our comprehensive, multi-layered strategy—comprising workshops, ongoing discussions, educational modules, a supportive reporting system, and academic assistance—aims to effect enduring change. By promoting continuous learning, reflection, and action, we strive to make race equity a lived reality for all at TU Dublin. 

Resources: 

• TU Dublin Plan of Change for Race Equity 2021-2026 

• Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector (2021 HEA Report) 

• TU Dublin Race Equity Community of Practice 

Lead Facilitators: 

• Brid Ni Chonaill, EDI, brid.nichonaill@tudublin.ie 

• Melody Chinenyanga, Lead EDI Race Equity, melody.chinenyanga@tudublin.ie 

More Information: 

• Communities of Practice | TU Dublin 

• HEA - Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions 

For more details on our Race Equity Community of Practice and other initiatives, visit the TU Dublin website or contact our lead facilitators. 

 

Where to find support:

• Report Hate Crime 
• https://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/ 
• Dignity and Respect at Work 
• Employee Assistance Programme