Race Equality in MU

Maynooth University has signed up to the HEA Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions which aim to harness the power that Irish Higher education institutions (HEIs) have as leaders of positive change in society to challenge racism and race inequality. Irish HEIs have seen a growth in the ethnic diversity of their staff and students, reflective of the diversity in Ireland’s population and these Anti-Racism Principles seek to embed a culture of race equality across higher education.

In 2021, the HEA ran the first National Race Equality Survey of all HEIs, the findings of same were included in the Race Equality Report, 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 HEA is committed to taking a proactive approach to tackling all forms of racial and ethnic discrimination in higher education. Now that we have an evidence base, the HEA can work with institutions to prevent rather than react to problems in this area and to keep pace with wider demographic changes in Irish society.

Our Maynooth University Race Equality Steering Group is currently working with our students and staff to develop a Race Equality Action Plan for Maynooth University. 

Please contact [email protected] to find out more.