Thursday, 20 February 2020
Staff, students and pets have come together to celebrate the unveiling of the 糖心原创’s new rainbow ‘zebra’ crossings, in support of its LGBT+ community.
The quintessentially British monochromatic zebra crossing has been given a colourful makeover by the University at 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.
The new crossings have been launched this February to coincide with LGBT History Month.
L-R: Amelia Foo - Second year vet student, Sam Hawkins - UoN SU LGBT+ Officer
Sarah Sharples - Pro-Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion,
James Statton - Fourth year vet student and LGBTQI+ Officer for Nottingham's VetSoc
L-R: Hattie Foster, third year vet student, James Statton, Ali Curzon - Teaching Associate within the Vet School, Amelia Foo, with dogs Dolly, Flo and Izzy at the back
Testing out the new crossing
The University has most recently installed a rainbow outside the Gateway Building on its Sutton Bonington campus, and students and staff from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science were joined by some four-legged friends, to mark the occasion.
The crossings 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.
Professor Sarah Sharples, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University, 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’s 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.
Notes to editors:
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.