Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Race Equality Statement

Statement of Principles

Hull College is proud of its growing multicultural community where we value equality of opportunity and diversity for all. We are committed to ensuring that:

• we treat all individuals fairly, with dignity and respect
• opportunities are open to all
• we provide a safe, supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, students and visitors free from any form of harassment

Strategic Priorities

1. To actively promote and maintain a positive college ethos and image that represents the College's commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and race equality
2. To ensure that all students, staff and potential members of the College community are aware of, and comply with, the College Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy and Race Equality Policy
3. Provide an accessible physical environment on all College sites which positively represents the College's commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and race equality
4. Provide a supportive learning and social environment throughout all College sites
5. Ensure that the curriculum, its content, learning materials and delivery represents the College 's commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and race equality
6. Provide student support services that meet the individual needs of our students
7. Provide necessary and appropriate resources in order to effectively implement the College's Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy and Race Equality Policy
8. Provide systems to ensure accurate and effective monitoring of equal opportunities at all levels of the College's reporting mechanisms
9. Ensure that the College's quality assurance framework is underpinned by equal opportunities

Aims

Gender

Hull College is committed to ensuring that all staff and students are given equal access to all areas of College life. Sexist language and stereotyping are challenged in all circumstances.

Ethnicity

The College has a growing multi-cultural community, values cultural diversity, and strives to recognise and counter racism and cultural stereotyping in all its forms.

The College undertakes to:

• examine its structures to ensure that they are offering equality of opportunity to all staff and students whatever their cultural background
• encourage an ethos of understanding, empathy and respect for all cultures
• ensure that staff and students are given the opportunity of appropriate training and /or education in equal opportunities

Disability

Education is a right for everyone who can and wishes to benefit from it. Hull College is committed to ensuring that disabled people including those with learning disabilities are treated fairly. All reasonable adjustments to provision will be made to ensure that disabled students and staff and other disabled people are not substantially disadvantaged.

Sexuality

The College will challenge homophobic remarks and graffiti which can be damaging to the self-image of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender students and staff. The College also undertakes to train staff and to educate the student body through tutorial provision to ensure that homophobic attitudes are challenged. Staff and students can expect a sensitive and supportive environment in all issues associated with their sexuality.

Class and Background

Hull College will challenge prejudiced comments related to class, accent or background for all members of its community. The College is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds.

Religious and Political Convictions

Hull College respects the religious beliefs and political convictions of all individuals. Individuals are therefore expected to respect the rights of others and to be tolerant in listening to the views of others. The expression of intolerant beliefs and opinions which infringe the rights of others will not be tolerated by the College.

Trade Unions

Students or staff who belong to a trade union or to none will be equally welcome to join the College.