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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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.