Category Archives: EDI

Students in Pride Parade

How to take part in Canterbury Pride Parade, 7 June

Canterbury Pride takes place on Saturday 7 June and is a spectacular LGBTQ+ celebration. As a significant sponsor of Pride, Kent has reserved spaces for students and staff to take part in the Pride Parade that precedes the main event, this year taking place in the Westgate Gardens. Parade participants get automatic entry to the main event.

How to get your free Pride wristband

Anyone who wishes to take part in the Pride parade on Saturday must be wearing a Parade Wristband prior to entry to the staging area. There are a limited number, and these will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

All reserved and unallocated wristbands can be collected from Becky Lamyman at the following times and dates:

  • Thursday 5 June, 10:00-12:00, Gulbenkian Café
  • Friday 6 June, 12:00-14:00, M1.06 Keynes College (upstairs next to the lift door)

If you have any queries please email EqualityandDiversity@kent.ac.uk

Calling Black Student Changemakers: A National Opportunity to Influence and Inspire

The Living Black at University Commission is excited to launch recruitment for the Living Black at University Co-Creation Partnership Group, an initiative that brings together Black students from across the UK to help shape national toolkits, guidance, and best practice for improving the experiences of Black students in student accommodation and beyond. Kent has been involved in the project from the outset, developing Living Black at Kent, supporting and working with our Black students.

This paid opportunity offers students the chance to collaborate, co-create published works, and influence change at a national level. Participants will engage in monthly virtual meetings and have the opportunity to attend and speak at in-person sector events.

Applications are open until Friday 27 June – apply here.

Students showing artwork

South Asian Heritage Week, 19-23 May

South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration to recognise, honour and celebrate South Asian history and culture and the achievements and contributions of South Asian British people to politics, social reform, science, academics, sports, entertainment, arts and culture. British South Asians represent a significant proportion of the British population and also a large community here a Kent. 

South Asian Heritage Month (national)

Nationally, South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) encompasses several independence days connected to South Asian countries. The beginning and end dates of SAHM particularly call back to two significant events in 1947; the 18th of July marks the date that the Indian Independence Act gained royal assent from King George VI, whilst the 17th of August marks the date of publication of the Radcliffe Line, which established where the borders between India, West Pakistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be.

It seeks to raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration, with the goal of helping people to better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.

Celebrating at Kent

At Kent we have made the conscious decision to move the celebrations to May due to the clash with the summer holidays. 

In 2025, the theme of South Asian Heritage Month is ‘Roots to Routes’, exploring the rich journey of growth, and the evolving connections we make through generations. We have taken the opportunity to explore the achievements and influence of 10 notable individuals from the last 300 years of British history and shine a spotlight on them. There is a wealth of stories, narratives and lost history out there to explore, and we have just touched the edge of it. 

To help you dive deeper, we have compiled resources for staff and students to learn more, through books, blogs, online magazines and podcasts, all recommended by our Asian and British-Asian staff and students 

British South Asians have left a huge legacy on the British political, social and cultural scene, and continue to shape our future as a nation. Why not start a conversation with your colleagues or students and take some time this week to learn a little more about this rich history for yourself.  

Take a browse of the South Asian Heritage Week webpage.

Photoshoot Opportunity

We are recruiting students to take part in a subject specific photoshoot during the week starting 19 May 2025.  The aim is to capture a set of images for each subject that can be used by the University on web, emails, socials – including paid ads etc.

This opportunity is open to all current Kent students, all students that take part will receive a £50 Amazon voucher for your time.

Apply here.

Canterbury campus view

Supreme Court Ruling

Following the recent UK High Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman we know that students, in particular our transgender and non-binary communities, may be experiencing uncertainty or concern around what this means for them personally and/or their areas of work.

Our commitment at Kent remains that everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect, with inclusion one of our core values. We want to ensure all are aware of support routes and services available if they need them. Like others, we are closely monitoring the implications of the Supreme Court ruling to ensure we are compliant with all aspects of equality law while continuing to protect people from discrimination.

Above all is our continued expectation that students and staff feel safe, included, supported and treated equally at Kent, with appropriate facilities and services for all. As a university, we also create spaces and opportunities for the free exchange of ideas and debate, for different views to be shared whilst being clear that this must always remain within the law.

Support for Students

Kent Students’ Union run a number of Societies and Networks that any student can join and can help you to build friendship groups and find a community. Our LGBTQIA Student Life Guide also has useful tips on finding your community at Kent.

Student Support and Wellbeing offers fantastic support for any student who is struggling, with Spectrum life also providing an out-of-hours support line which can be contacted over the phone or through webchat.

Reporting

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, discrimination or harassment. If you do experience or witness anything, please use the Report and Support reporting tool, available for staff and students.

Get in touch

If anyone has any concerns or queries regarding these developments, please contact EqualityAndDiversity@kent.ac.uk

students walking on campus

Race Equality Week (3–9 February)

Race Equality Week, (3- 9 February), offers Kent an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made towards race equality. This week serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a moment to reassert our commitment to advancing race equality throughout the institution.

Progress to Date
Kent has made significant strides in its race equality journey, with key initiatives and milestones marking our ongoing commitment. Notable achievements included the launch of our Challenging Racism Strategy, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing and dismantling systemic racism within the university and a precursor to our work on the Race Equality Charter. Additionally, Kent’s recent attainment of the Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze Award in October 2024 is a significant recognition of our efforts and a testament to the dedication of our staff and students in this area.

Role of the BAME Staff Network
The BAME Staff Network has played a crucial role in shaping Kent’s race equality efforts. Through its leadership, the Network has consistently challenged the institution to improve its support for racially minoritised staff. Their advocacy and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that race equality remains a top priority within Kent’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project
Equally important has been the Kent Students’ Union Black Student Voices Project, which has amplified the voices of racially minoritised students across the university. This project has provided a vital platform for students to share their experiences, ensuring that their concerns are heard and acted upon. The insights garnered from this initiative have helped inform the development of policies and practices that better support students from racially minoritised backgrounds.

The 2025–2030 EDI Strategy Consultation
Kent is currently consulting with staff and students on its 2025–2030 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. This ongoing consultation is crucial in shaping the university’s long-term approach to race equality. By embedding race equality into the core of our EDI work, Kent is establishing a sustainable framework for continuous improvement, ensuring that progress is not just made but built upon year after year.

Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group
In alignment with the REC Action Plan, Kent will convene its Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group for its inaugural meeting on 7 February. This group will oversee and scrutinise the implementation of the REC Action Plan, holding the institution accountable and driving forward the race equality agenda. Through this group, we aim to ensure that our commitments are not only fulfilled but continually advanced in a meaningful and impactful way.

Race Equality Week is an opportunity to reflect on the work done and the work still to be done. Kent remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, and the initiatives outlined above are just some of the steps we are taking on our journey towards full race equality. As we continue to build on this progress, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the voices of racially minoritised staff and students are heard, valued, and acted upon.

Pride inclusive flag

What is LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ History Month takes place every February in the UK and is a month-long celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity and observance of the injustices and discrimination faced by the community in the past and faced by many still to this day. LGBTQIA+ people have the right to live their lives as their true, authentic selves free of fear, discrimination or harassment and one of the goals of LGBT+ History Month is to move us as a culture towards a society that is kinder and fairer to LGBTQIA+ people.

The 2025 theme is Activism and Social Change, and is a landmark year as it celebrates 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month and 50 years of its parent organisation, Schools OUT UK, which was founded in 1974 to campaign for educational change and empowering people in all learning settings to create environments where all LGBT+ people feel safe, seen and supported. UK LGBT+ History Month was founded to be dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory and theirstory. LGBT+ History Month also chooses and celebrates five individuals every year. This year they are Octavia Hill, Ivor Cummings, Annie Kenney, Charlie Kiss and Olaudah Equian.

What’s On at Kent

At Kent, LGBT+ History Month is co-organised by the University of Kent and Kent Students’ Union, with input and consultation from the LGBT Staff network and the LGBTQIA student network and societies. Events are open for staff and students and the vast majority are free. Check them out on the webpages

Key events include:

  • The Affirmation Wall (all month): Got something to say to your younger self, your future self, your friends or your loved ones? Find the Affirmation Wall the Templeman Library and add your message of love and hope to it
  • Poster Making Competition (8 February): Design a poster which will be displayed in the Library. The winning poster with the most votes on Instagram will receive £20 in catering vouchers
  • Staff and Student social and lunch (13 February): The staff and student networks get together to chat, eat and make friends!
  • Online Kahoot Quiz (16 February): Struggling to get to anything in person? No worries, the online quiz is for you!

There are loads more events and activities taking place, with more being added to the planning so check back often.

 What support is available to me?

  • We have a large number of resources available to support LGBTQIA+ students at Kent and can signpost to external resources.
  • Kent Students’ Union (KSU) run the LGBTQIA+ Network to act as a voice for LGBTQIA+ students.
  • The University has the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, open to any staff member who identifies as LGBTQIA+. The Network hold regular social activities for members and Allies.
  • The University runs a Gender Affirmation Fund for students who identify as trans, non-binary or gender queer.
  • The University has an Inclusive Language Guide to help support staff and students in developing their Inclusive Language skills
  • The Canterbury Trans Network runs a bi-monthly social on campus
  • The KSU LGBT+ History Month webpages feature a Curiosity Hub, designed to display dozens of films, books, podcasts, celebrities and more – all handpicked by staff and students at Kent, with each recommendation relating to LGBT+ History Month and Pride. There are even hand-out resources as well as links to the various schemes that are available to support LGBTQIA+ students at Kent.

Did you know that university students are no longer eligible for Subject Access Requests by a parent or guardian? We will never share your personal, disclosed information with anyone without your express permission.

What do I do if I have experienced prejudice or discrimination?

We are committed to ensuring that all students and staff are supported at Kent and are able to study and work to their fullest potential. We also take discrimination, harassment and bullying extremely seriously. If you feel that you have been subjected to any form of bullying or discrimination due to your LGBTQIA+ identity, please do report it via the Report and Support tool. This will trigger an investigation and support for you, although you can report anonymously if you prefer.

Look out for more blog posts and information over the course of the month, and we hope you enjoy LGBT+ History Month.

What do I do if I want more information?

If you have any comments or feedback about this month’s activity, or any other History Month or equality, diversity or inclusion related activity, please do email EqualityandDiversity@kent.ac.uk

Sue Sanders Reflects on the Legacy and Impact of LGBT+ History Month

Sue Sanders, a long-time LGBTQIA+ advocate and activist, shared her insights about the formation and evolution of LGBT+ History Month, its impact over the years, and the role that allies, schools, and universities play in promoting inclusivity and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.

The Birth of LGBT+ History Month and Schools OUT UK

In 1974, a group of teachers in the UK came together to create Schools OUT, a social group that soon became politically charged after the sacking of one of their members, John Warburton, for being openly gay. The group was born out of a necessity to support teachers who were being dismissed due to their sexual orientation—a time when unions, unfortunately, weren’t helping.

By the mid-1980s, Sue Sanders became involved with Schools OUT and worked alongside other key figures like Paul Patrick and Jill Spraggs to challenge Section 28, a piece of legislation designed to prevent the teaching of LGBT+ issues in schools. Despite the law being repealed in 2003, its shadow lingered over educational institutions, leaving many teachers unsure about how to approach LGBTQIA+ topics.

A Quiet Revolution: The Birth of LGBT+ History Month

Recognizing the need for visibility and education, Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick launched LGBT+ History Month in February 2005. While initially funded with a modest grant from the Department of Education, the month quickly grew in scope and popularity. Sanders reflected on how they never imagined the event would reach the scale it has today. In its first year, LGBT+ History Month had over 100 events listed on its website—far exceeding their hopes.

Now, 20 years later, LGBT+ History Month is a well-established part of the educational and cultural calendar. Sanders and the Schools OUT team continue to work tirelessly to highlight the achievements and contributions of LGBT+ individuals, helping to create more inclusive and diverse spaces.

A Shifting Curriculum: The Power of Themes

Each year, Sanders and the small team behind LGBT+ History Month carefully select a theme. In 2025, the theme is “Activism and Social Change,” a timely and relevant topic in the face of increasing opposition to LGBT+ rights both in the UK and globally. The theme allows educators to tie discussions about LGBTQIA+ history to wider societal movements, enabling students to understand how activism and social change intersect with LGBT+ issues.

Alongside the annual theme, Sanders and her colleagues select five LGBT+ figures to focus on during the month. In 2025, these include Octavia Hill, a founder of the National Trust; Charlie Kiss, a pioneering trans activist; and Annie Kenney, a bisexual working-class suffragette. Each of these figures embodies the intersectional nature of LGBT+ identity, representing a mix of race, gender, and social class.

The Impact of LGBT+ History Month: Celebrating Progress

Reflecting on the progress made over the past two decades, Sanders noted significant changes in societal attitudes. Museums, archives, and educational institutions are now more likely to recognize and honour the identities of LGBT+ people. However, she pointed out that there is still work to be done—particularly when it comes to disabled LGBT+ individuals, whose contributions are often overlooked.

LGBT+ History Month has not only raised awareness of LGBT+ history but also helped support other marginalized communities. Sanders played an instrumental role in establishing other history months, such as Women’s History Month and Disabled History Month, highlighting the need to recognize and celebrate the diversity of human experience.

The Role of Universities in Supporting LGBT+ Rights

When asked about the role of universities in advocating for LGBT+ rights, Sanders emphasized their responsibility to provide safe and supportive environments for LGBT+ students. Universities must do more than just offer a safe space; they should actively work to support LGBT+ students’ needs, including ensuring visibility for trans people, offering resources, and developing policies to address hate crime and bullying.

Given the rising attacks on trans rights globally, Sanders stressed that universities must take a proactive role in challenging harmful rhetoric and ensuring that LGBT+ students feel welcome on campus.

Allies: A Crucial Force for Change

The conversation also turned to the importance of allies in the fight for LGBT+ rights. Sanders noted that allies have always played a crucial role in advocating for LGBT+ rights, citing how some of the most impactful progress during the Section 28 fight was made with the help of straight allies. Allies, she said, need to educate themselves, challenge homophobia and transphobia when they see it, and actively support LGBT+ people.

A Hope for the Future: Usualising Diversity

When reflecting on her legacy, Sanders expressed the hope that one day LGBT+ History Month will no longer be necessary because LGBT+ identities will be fully integrated into society. She emphasized the importance of “usualising” rather than “normalising” diversity, a concept she introduced after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, to encourage the acceptance and celebration of all marginalized groups, not just as “normal” but as vital contributors to society.

In her closing thoughts, Sanders emphasized that tackling issues like homophobia, racism, and ableism cannot be done in isolation. The work to create an inclusive society requires addressing all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of LGBT+ History Month, Sanders’ legacy is firmly rooted in the ongoing work to make the world a more inclusive place for all. Her tireless advocacy and commitment to visibility continue to inspire new generations of activists, educators, and allies. While there is still much work to be done, Sanders remains hopeful that, through collective action, the fight for equality will continue to progress.

For more information about LGBT+ History Month and to get involved, visit the official website at LGBT+ History Month.

Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January

Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 

Between 1941 and 1945, six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The Nazis also murdered millions of others including Roma, Gypsy and Sinti people, people with disabilities, gay people, and many whose political views or religious beliefs threatened the Nazi regime. 

On 27 January 2000, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, 46 governments signed the Stockholm Declaration and founded Holocaust Memorial Day. This day is to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia (1975-1979), Rwanda (1994), Bosnia (1995) and later Darfur in 2003. 

2025 is a particularly significant year as it marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. It is a time for reflection, education and awareness about the Holocaust and other genocides around the world and throughout history. 

The Jewish Society have a number of events and activities taking place to mark and commemorate the day. All events are open to all staff and students. 

Additional resources 

On YouTube, you can watch Medway campus Chaplain Lynne Martin’s seven-minute video marking Holocaust Memorial Day, in which she shines a light on the hope, bravery and heroism of an individual in the midst of horror and atrocity.  

You can learn more about the Holocaust by using your Kent login to access an online library of films. 

Fighting antisemitism and hate at Kent  

Prejudice, discrimination and hatred based solely on difference is still pervasive in society today. This includes anti-Jewish attitudes, with reports of antisemitism increasing at Universities, and the investigation into antisemitism within the National Union of Student (NUS). Since the October 7 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel there has been a ICPG – Antisemitism at UK Universities since 7 October directed towards Jewish students and staff across UK university campuses. 

Antisemitism is a form of racism and religious discrimination and we do not tolerate it at Kent. If you have been affected by it please do seek support via our Report and Support tool.  

We have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and the Jewish Declaration of Antisemitism. This is an important statement of our solidarity with the Jewish community and our commitment to stamping out antisemitism at Kent. 

There are other opportunities to commemorate throughout the year, including Antisemitism Awareness Week in March and Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day on 22 August. 

 

Selection of items from the 1960s in the Faustin Charles Archive collection including advert for a lecture by CLR James andWest Indian Student Union newsletters

Reclaiming Narratives: Finding Black History in the Archives

Join the team in Special Collections and Archives for a workshop exploring Black history in the University’s archive and book collections.

Sign up to our workshop on Wednesday 6 November 2024 – 13:00-16:00.

Location: Templeman Library, Room A108 (A Block – first floor)

In this workshop you will learn more about the University’s special collections, and have the opportunity to view some of the archive collections that highlight aspects of Black history. Workshop participants will learn archive research techniques, and be able to participate in our ongoing work to reveal and showcase the stories and experiences of people of colour that feature in our archive collections.

Through the workshop, participants will consider the challenges of trying to uncover hidden stories in the archives, touching on issues such as changes in terminology and the use of outdated language, and the lack of detailed cataloguing providing barriers to successful research.

Faustin Charles reading poetry in 1970s

Faustin Charles reading poetry in 1970s (Reference: UKA/ALU/CHARLESF/7/9)

Participants will be invited to spend time exploring archive catalogues to locate items of interest in the study of Black history, surfacing evidence of the activities and experiences of people of colour held within the archives. Your discoveries will be added to our list of sources supporting the study of Black history in the archive collections.

There will also be some free pizza at the end of the workshop as a thank you for your hard work!

To book a place on the workshop please contact Special Collections and Archives: specialcollections@kent.ac.uk