The Higher Education sector is working through challenges in relation to balancing freedom of expression, inclusivity and anti-discrimination. Loughborough chooses to embrace and engage positively with these challenges in alignment with commitments already made through the strategic aims of our EDI Core Plan to: 

• “Create a culture in which respectful, constructive challenge becomes accepted as an essential and legitimate tool for progress, including challenge that comes in alternative forms or are outside of the cultural norms of the institution”, and
• “Create an environment in which a plurality of views can be respectfully challenged and critiqued in a respectful way, adhering to the requirements of The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech Act) 2023 to promote freedom of speech and academic freedom and meet the requirements of The Equality Act 2010 to give due regard to the elimination of discrimination, foster positive relationships and advance of equality of opportunity”. 

We introduce EDI Open House as an opportunity for everyone to join the conversation. The aim is to create a welcoming environment that encourages open conversation about matters that impact on equity, diversity and inclusion across our student and staff community, on our campuses and beyond. 

These events will be held regularly, hosted and facilitated by EDI Services, ensuring an environment that promotes and maintains respect and dignity for all, including the Art of Disagreeing Well. 

Register your place now.

The format

• All members of the University community are welcome to attend and either raise discussion points on the day or post matters they would like to be discussed beforehand via the EDI inbox (Edi@lboro.ac.uk) and have them read out on your behalf.

• The sessions will be hybrid, so you can join the conversation in person and online. For those who join in person, light refreshments will be provided. 

EDI Services look forward to seeing you there and if you have any comments or suggestions about the Open House or other opportunities for expression, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.