Policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Approved Board of Management on 29th March 2022
Notification Notified by Registrar vide notification No. SRHU/Reg/OO/2022-58 (i) dated 5th April 2022
Next Review 2025-26
  1. Short Title & Commencement:
    1. This Policy shall be called the “Policy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)” of Swami Rama Himalayan University.
    2. This Policy shall be deemed to have come into force from the date of approval of the Board of Management of the University.
  2. Purpose:
    To foster an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environment in which all members of the University community can learn, work, and thrive. This policy will ensure that social equity and long-term sustainability are embedded across all University activities.
  3. Scope:
    This policy applies to all members of the University community and those working with or on behalf of the University, including:
    1. Faculty and Staff (full-time, part-time, honorary, visiting, or on contract).
    2. Students (including applicants, exchange, and placement students).
    3. Visitors using University premises.
    4. Contractors and volunteers.
    5. Individuals or organisations supplying goods or services to the University.
  4. Objectives:
    The objectives of this policy are to:
    1. To prevent and eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
    2. To ensure fair recruitment, admissions, progression, and support, regardless of background or personal characteristics.
    3. To promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
    4. To advance equality of opportunity by addressing underrepresentation and removing barriers to progress.
    5. To accommodate diverse needs through inclusive policies and practices.
    6. To foster positive relations by valuing diversity and promoting understanding across the University community.
  5. Definitions:
    1. Equality: Fair treatment and access to opportunities by addressing disadvantage and removing barriers.
    2. Diversity: Recognition and valuing of individual differences.
    3. Inclusion: Creating environments where all individuals feel respected, supported, and able to participate fully.
  6. Protected and Recognized Characteristics:
    The University protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived characteristics, including but not limited to:
    1. Age
    2. Disability (including neurodiversity)
    3. Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
    4. Marital or civil partnership status
    5. Pregnancy and maternity
    6. Race, ethnicity, nationality, or color
    7. Religion or belief (or lack thereof)
    8. Sex
    9. Sexual orientation
    10. Socio-economic background
    11. Caring responsibilities
  7. Commitments:
    1. Education and Employment:
      1. Fair and transparent recruitment, selection, promotion, and admissions processes.
      2. Equal access to learning, research, employment, and development opportunities.
      3. Reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and students.
      4. Inclusive and sustainable teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
    2. Inclusive and Sustainable Culture:
      1. Promotion of dignity, respect, and inclusive behaviour.
      2. Prevention of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
      3. Support for staff and student networks.
      4. Recognition of sustainability as a core element of social justice and inclusion.
    3. Accessibility and Sustainable Environments:
      1. Accessible physical, digital, and learning environments.
      2. Inclusive and sustainable campus design and operations.
      3. Removal of systemic and structural barriers to participation.
    4. Data, Monitoring, and Transparency:
      1. Collection and analysis of equality and inclusion data in line with data protection laws.
      2. Use of data to inform sustainable EDIS action planning.
      3. Transparent reporting to governance bodies.
  8. Responsibilities:
    1. Governing Body:
      1. Provide strategic leadership for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.
      2. Ensure sufficient resources and oversight.
    2. Senior Leadership:
      1. Champion EDIS across strategy, operations, and culture.
      2. Integrate EDIS objectives into institutional sustainability and strategic plans.
    3. Managers and Academic Leaders:
      1. Implement EDIS principles within their areas.
      2. Promote inclusive, fair, and sustainable practices.
    4. Staff and Students:
      1. Treat others with dignity and respect.
      2. Act in ways that support inclusion and sustainability.
      3. Challenge discrimination and exclusion where safe to do so.
  9. This policy shall be reviewed every three years or earlier if required to accommodate new educational practices, regulatory requirements, or emerging student needs.
  10. The University reserves the right to interpret, alter, amend, modify, cancel or withdraw any or all provisions mentioned herein above in this policy without any notice.
  11. In case of any dispute, the decision of the Vice Chancellor of the University shall be final and binding.
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