Why is ED&I so important in education?

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity are three separate things. While they’re closely related, it’s important to look at the individual words and what they really mean.

“Equality” means that everyone should be treated the same and should have the same opportunities – not to be confused with “equity”, which is the recognition that one might experience more hardship and obstacles than the other, despite sharing the same goals and dreams (Chally, 2022).

“Diversity” is celebrating people’s differences and uniqueness. It welcomes everyone’s different backgrounds and identities.

“Inclusion” is about everyone being recognised for their talents. Everyone has their perspectives valued and heard.

“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day” – Nellie Borrero

(Pavlin, 2021)

Every student is entitled to a working environment where we can thrive together. Every student deserves the same opportunities. Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, disability or race. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone feels comfortable in the learning environment.

Educational inequality in the UK

Here are some facts that reveal the extent of educational inequality in the UK:

1. A child from a disadvantaged background is 18 months behind when they take their GCSEs (Books2All, 2020).
2. A disadvantaged child is 3 times more likely to be excluded from school (Books2All, 2020).
3. 6% of people are educated privately in the UK, but they account for 55% of students at Russell Group Universities (Silesbarcena, 2019).
4. 8 times as many students from Richmond, London were accepted into the University of Cambridge between 2010 – 2015 than those from Blackpool, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Salford and Stoke combined (Silesbarcena, 2019).

Even though the UK is one of the biggest economies in the world, there are still social inequalities which impact disadvantaged students. So, the divide in society significantly segregates the disadvantaged from the privileged when it comes to education. That’s called the attainment gap.

As a Persian living abroad, I’ve had a couple experiences of being excluded and discriminated. I’ve also met a lot of people from different backgrounds and levels of class who have experienced disadvantages that others haven’t experienced. Discrimination like this is very common. As we are all members of society coming from different backgrounds and experiences, it’s important that we all take initiative to understand and respect each other. Get rid of any stereotypes you’ve learned – I believe that stereotyping is the main cause for segregation!

University of Westminster’s steps towards equality

The University of Westminster is the most culturally diverse university in the UK, with 170 different nationalities and 8,582 international students (Foulds, 2023).

Our university has taken many initiatives towards equality, diversity and inclusion. We have many different support groups that help students with disabilities, harassment and bullying. The university has partnered with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Black Business Association and Asian Business Association across 2023. By breaking down barriers, addressing inequalities and enabling connections, we will improve the prosperity of ethnic minority owned businesses in London.

Moving forward

We are all part of the learning environment at University of Westminster. As students, we need to ensure that we make everyone we interact with feel equal and included. We need to ensure we are showing equal amounts of respect to everyone in the classroom.

It’s important to take the initiative to learn about different cultures, religions and identities. Challenge any biases that may exist. Actively include others in discussions and group projects. Make sure to use inclusive language. And, lastly, make sure to speak up against discrimination and support those who were affected.

There’s an EDI committee at our university that makes recommendations to the University Executive Board. For more ways to get involved and make a difference, click here.

References

All On The Board (2019) To everyone with an invisible disability or an invisible illness, it may take time, but changes are being made. @allontheboard #invisibledisability #invisibleillness #disability #invisible #illness #hiddendisability #visible @tfl @mayoroflondon #london #allontheboard pic.twitter.com/CVEDAUJTPG, Twitter. Available at: https://twitter.com/allontheboard/status/1130084230745251842

Books2All (2020) Educational inequality in the UK – 7 shocking statistics, Books2All. Available at: https://books2all.co.uk/blog/2020/08/educational-inequality-in-the-uk/

Chally (2022) 56 inspirational diversity and inclusion quotes for the Workplace, Chally. Available at: https://chally.com/blog/inclusion-quotes/

Foulds, E. (2023) New Data Tool Shows Campus Diversity, Whatuni. Available at: https://www.whatuni.com/advice/choosing-a-uni/new-data-tool-shows-campus-diversity/62394/

Silesbarcena, I. (2019) Inequality in the UK higher education system, Inequality in the Uk Higher Education System. Available at: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/global-social-challenges/2019/05/23/inequality-in-the-uk-higher-education-system/

Latta, L. (2021) Equity in education: Defining equity, equality, and standardization, Impact Tulsa. Available at: https://impacttulsa.org/2019/11/26/impacttulsa-equity-in-education-defining-equity/

Learning Cubs (2022) Bridging the attainment gap in the UK’s education system, Bridging the Attainment Gap in the UK’s Education System. Available at: https://www.learningcubs.co.uk/resources/bridging-the-attainment-gap-in-the-uk-education-system

Pavlin, K. (2021) Change is a choice., LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/change-choice-karen-pavlin/

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Why is sustainability so important?

Sustainability is so important in student life. It’s about making choices that benefit us and the planet we live on. Using public transport, sustainable fashion and food choices are some ways that we as students can embrace sustainable practices.  

Embracing sustainability will ensure a future for all, reduce energy usage, create a healthy habitat and improve societal impact (BluGlacier, 2021). As university students, we can make simple choices to live a sustainable lifestyle and have it still be enjoyable. From using public transportation, to using sustainable products, to choosing sustainable food and drinks, you as a student are contributing to a better world! 

We all play a big role in making a difference. Each person individually holds the power to create positive change in their own unique way. Students can participate in initiatives and projects that promote sustainability. Volunteering, joining student organisations and organising campaigns are some ways you can take action towards a better world. Or even simply raising awareness can inspire action and spread positivity.

Going green on campus

It’s been a year since I’ve been more aware of my choices and how to adjust them to become more sustainable. I started by using public or active transport rather than Uber – this also saves a lot of money! Transport accounted for 34% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 (TfL Community Team, 2023). It has a massive impact. There are so many alternatives that can help reduce this number. And so many personal benefits too. Now that I started walking, I get to begin my day with some light exercise, which improves my focus and productivity for the rest of my day at university. You can also start cycling too.

Besides using public and active transportation, there are many other ways to become more eco-friendly. Start paying attention to the different sections of the bins – make sure you’re putting everything in the right place! Normally they have different sections that you should put different materials in: items like plastic bottles will go in the green section.

Other ways to go green include saving energy – turn off your lights and unplug any electronics when you’re not using them. During the day, just use the natural light instead of having your lights on. Take shorter showers and turn the water off between the times that you’re not using it. Turn the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth. Change your disposable plastic bottles to refillable ones. Get rid of those unnecessary bad habits.

Fashion’s journey towards sustainability

Fashion is responsible for 20% of global industrial water pollution (Marshall, 2022), so it’s really important to incorporate sustainability into your fashion choices. To ensure your wardrobe is as sustainable as possible, make sure you know you’re going to wear what you’re buying. Is it for one occasion only or do you see yourself wearing it at least 30 times? Do you really need it? If the clothes you’re buying is intended for one occasion only, why not try renting instead?

Research into the brands you’re supporting. Purchase from the ones that practice sustainability. Shop second-hand. There are so many thrift shops in London – make the most of them! Buying second-hand clothing is a great way to be sustainable. As a student in London, I know it’s important to stay conscious of your spending, and thrifting is a good way to save some money (my personal favourite store is Rokit in Covent Garden). Also, make sure to take care of your clothes so that they last longer. Try not to over-wash them and repair them if they get damaged. And if you’re done with them, re-sell them or donate them instead of throwing them out.

Embracing sustainable eating habits

By choosing sustainable food and drink options, you’d be protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity and conserving natural resources. It also promotes better animal welfare and supports local farmers. Eating sustainable food products can also improve our own health.

So, how do you make sustainable food choices? The easiest way to do this as a student is by reducing your food waste. This means planning your meals around what you have – get creative with it! Use up all the scraps in your kitchen to make sure nothing goes to waste. There are so many ideas you can find online to inspire you to make sure you’re making the most of your ingredients.

Also, try to buy local seasonal foods – for example, you can try to avoid fruits like strawberries until British summer time to ensure that it won’t need to be flown overseas (Lewis, 2021). With that being said, try to support the restaurants with seasonal menus that rotate with what’s available.

Sustainability on campus

At the University of Westminster, there is a student group that researches and supports sustainability. They organise collaborative events and consolidate research networks for developing multidisciplinary projects. The university also has a sustainable development mission which you can get involved in too. The operations focus on water, energy, waste, carbon emissions, biodiversity and more. Here are some things that the sustainability team have achieved:

1. Nine years of 100% renewable energy procurement
2. Reduced carbon emissions by 43% in 2020
3. Solar thermal system installed in Harrow Halls in 2021
4. Hedgehog Friendly Campus silver award in 2022
5. Food For Life Served Here bronze accreditation in 2023

Taking small steps towards sustainability can have a big impact on our planet and towards our future. By making choices like reducing food waste, thrifting clothes and using public transportation, we can create a brighter and greener future together. A small change goes a long way!

References

Allen, G. and Muir, E. (2023) London’s 9 Best Thrift Stores for second-hand gems, Time Out London. Available at: https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/londons-nine-best-thrift-stores

BluGlacier (2021) Why is sustainability important?: Bluglacier – top-quality salmon producer, BluGlacier. Available at: https://bluglacier.com/why-is-sustainability-important/

Bonneau, A.-M. (2018) 15 creative ways to use all the food scraps – zero-waste chef, Zero. Available at: https://zerowastechef.com/2018/05/02/15-creative-uses-food-scraps/

Chan, E. (2021) What does sustainable fashion actually mean?, Vogue India. Available at: https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/vogues-ultimate-guide-to-sustainable-fashion

External Works (2012) Recycling Bins Keep waltham forest open spaces clean, Amberol. Available at: https://www.externalworksindex.co.uk/entry/132373/Amberol/Recycling-bins-keep-Waltham-Forest-open-spaces-clean/

Lewis, A. (2021) Sustainable Food Practices: Choices & Importance, The Hub | High Speed Training. Available at: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/what-is-food-sustainability/#:~:text=Sustainable%20farming%20choices%20ensure%20a,good%20employment%20and%20community%20support.

Marshall, D. (2022a) What is Sustainable Fashion and why is it so important, IMMAGO. Available at: https://immago.com/sustainable-fashion-important/

TfL Community Team (2023) Eco-friendly ways to get around London, Experience London blog. Available at: https://londonblog.tfl.gov.uk/2023/09/22/green-travel-london/#:~:text=Jump%20on%20your%20bike%20and,that%20stretch%20across%20the%20city.&text=London%20now%20has%20the%20largest,the%20fleet%20are%20zero%2Demission.

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