Extensive equality training for staff; improved accessibility on campus; increased support to students of foreign origin; and courses and education about sexual harassment and violence are the main emphases in a new Equality Action Plan for the next three years at the University of Iceland. The plan was approved by the University Council at the beginning of the year.
This is the Equal Rights Policy for the University of Iceland number eight; the first one took effect in the year 2000. The University of Iceland has for a long time been a forum for fruitful and progressive discussion on equality matters, among academic staff and students alike. Furthermore, equality is one of the three core values of the University. This is reflected in the action plan produced by the University of Iceland's Equal Rights Committee led by the chair in collaboration with the university's equality officers.
"The new Equality Action Plan is the result of the work of a diverse group of students and staff and aligns well with the overall objectives of the University of Iceland, where the emphasis is placed on human rights and equality in a broad sense," says Jón Ingvar Kjaran, chair of the University of Iceland's Equal Rights Committee.
The plan contains 50 actions divided into 6 categories in line with the University's strategy, UI26, and are published in the University's policy registry. Emphasis is placed on equality in a broad sense as well as an understanding of intersectionality.
"We are very pleased with the outcome, especially how well the University's Equality Action Plan and University's strategy, UI26, have been woven together. Student and staff representatives took an active part in the policy making and their views are reflected in the plan. We will follow up on the implementation of the plan to ensure success in the field of equality matters," says Jón Atli Benediktsson, the rector of the University of Iceland.
University students and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the content and priorities of the new Equality Action Plan, which can be found on the University of Iceland's equality website, jafnretti.hi.is, and in English at equality.hi.is.