Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to taking a proactive approach to tackling all forms of racial and ethnic discrimination in higher education.

Diversity is a key strength of Irish higher education. In recent decades our universities, institutes of technology, and colleges have been transformed, from predominantly national institutions catering primarily for school-leavers, to internationally oriented institutions engaged with an increasingly diverse student body, of all ages, backgrounds and gender identities. It is therefore key, for the further development and internationalisation of the sector, that we stamp out all forms of racism within our HEIs and take a proactive approach to encouraging further diversity and inclusion in the higher education sector.

In this regard, the HEA conducted a National Race Equality Survey of all HEIs last year which was published in October 2021. The aim of the survey was to capture the lived experience of HEI staff in relation to race equality. For the purpose of the survey, race equality was defined as ‘equal representation, equal experiences and equal outcomes of staff from minority ethnic groups.’

The survey was conducted in late 2020/early 2021 and all staff working in HEIs in the Republic of Ireland – regardless of ethnic background or nationality – were invited to participate. A total of 3,323 staff, approximately 10% of the total number of HEI staff nationally, in Irish HEIs responded to the survey.

The recommendations made in the report were across eight thematic areas: supporting diversity in staff; supporting diversity in student recruitment; making race/equality policies transparent; reporting mechanisms; awareness and training; fostering diversity in HEIs; leadership; and data collection. The survey findings provide an evidence base which will facilitate a more proactive policy response to issues of racism in our HEIs.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have comprehensive policies to tackle harassment on campuses and reporting mechanisms for the same. These policies and procedures also cover incidents of racist discrimination and harassment.

Last year, the Irish Universities Association introduced an online training programme called ‘Let’s Talk About Race in the Higher Education Sector’. This course, which is available to both staff and students, is a key initiative in building the intercultural understanding and competence required to achieve systemic change within our HEIs. This training programme complements the existing race awareness and education activities of the universities, as well as other specific initiatives, such as curriculum reviews, Universities of Sanctuary initiatives, and intercultural events alongside new mechanisms for building cultures of dignity and respect which build a sense of inclusion for all members of university communities.

Funding has also been provided to develop the anonymous Speak Out reporting tool through which students can anonymously report incidents of harassment, including racist harassment. The online platform directs users towards support services and formal reporting processes.

My Department is also engaging with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Anti-Racism Committee; to develop tertiary education actions for the new National Action Plan Against Racism which my colleague Minister O’Gorman will be publishing shortly.