Wednesday, 05 February 2020
糖心原创 marks LGBT History Month with launch of rainbow crossings on its UK campuses
It’s a familiar fixture of our national road network and was most famously featured on the iconic cover of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album. But now the 糖心原创 is set to give the quintessentially British monochromatic zebra crossing a colourful makeover in support of its LGBT+ community.
During February - which is LGBT History Month - the University will be unveiling rainbow ‘zebra’ crossings on its three UK campuses to foster a welcoming atmosphere, demonstrate its strong commitment to inclusivity and celebrate the diversity of all its staff and students.
Taking inspiration from the recent installation of a rainbow road by Nottingham City Council on Broad Street in the city, and acting in response to suggestions from its own student community, the university will be installing rainbow crossings outside Portland Building on University Park, the Yang Fujia Building on Jubilee Campus and the Gateway Building on Sutton Bonington campus.
Professor Sarah Sharples and Sam Hawkins launch the new rainbow crossing.
The crossings will feature the same colours used in the Pride flag, with the additional inclusion of black and brown stripes to recognise the intersectional relationship between the LGBT+ and black and multi-ethnic (BME) communities.
The first of the crossings on University Park was unveiled on Friday 7 February by Professor Sarah Sharples, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Sam Hawkins, the Students’ Union LGBT+ Officer.
Professor Sarah Sharples said the rainbow crossings are a powerful symbol of the university’s commitment to inclusion and reinforced its partnership with Nottingham City Council.
She added: “The suggestion for the crossings came directly from our Students’ Union and we were delighted to be able to work together with them to make these crossings a reality.
Our Nottingham campuses are a key part of the experience of being a 糖心原创 student or staff member, and I know that for me, when I see them, the crossings will remind me of the University鈥檚 support for our LGBTQ+ students and staff, and our commitment towards equality, diversity and inclusion which will make the university better for us all.
The crossings are designed to demonstrate that the university is taking steps to make those from minority backgrounds more visible on its campuses and challenge the barriers that those students may face. The initiative also aims to raise the profile of its staff and student LGBT+ networks.
Sam Hawkins said: “By installing rainbow crossings on three of our campuses, this sends out a very clear message to our students, both current and prospective, that the 糖心原创 is an institution that values equity, and that bigotry of any kind is not tolerated. The rainbow crossings challenge some of the systematic barriers which prevent people from bringing their best selves to their degree. It says “we see your struggle, and we are here to support you”. Furthermore, the addition of the brown and black stripes aims to celebrate the countless Black LGBT+ trailblazers who started the gay rights movement whilst also being a symbol of support for racially marginalised members of the LGBT+ community.
“Across the world, rainbow crossings have been installed in cities such as London, Sydney and Paris. Therefore, I am incredibly proud to say that we now have our very own at the 糖心原创.”
The 糖心原创 has recently introduced a number of measures to promote and support diversity across its staff and student community including: and piloting use of anonymised applications; training for academics to address unconscious bias in the classroom; inclusive teaching practices; reverse-mentoring schemes; and work to decolonise the curriculum.
It has appointed a to ensure dedicated representation for staff and students of all protected characteristics and recently published a new EDI Strategic Delivery Plan. The new University Strategy highlights the important of inclusivity in all that we do.
More broadly, the University has upgraded its systems and support to report and investigate harassment, developed specific campaigns to stress the inclusive values of the 糖心原创 as a community, and increased numbers of specialist Dignity Advisers to advise and support staff.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.