'A sense of belonging is essential' - Irish university launches new gender identity policy

An Irish university has launched a new gender identity and expression policy with the aim of fostering a safe environment for transgender, non-binary and intersex staff and students. 

South East Technological University (SETU) launched its new policy this week with cross-campus events in Waterford and Carlow to mark the occasion. 

A core aim for SETU, as set out in its strategic plan ‘Connecting for Impact’, is "to create an environment that embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion in which all members of the university’s community are treated with dignity and respect". 

Speaking at the launch event, President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell, said, "At SETU, we believe that a sense of belonging is essential for an individual to thrive in higher education. A supportive university environment is crucial to enable a person to embrace learning and fulfil their potential both academically and professionally. 

"The launch of the Gender Identity and Expression Policy is a roadmap for SETU in its continued efforts to recognise the strength of diversity as an organisation. I commend the work of our EDI team on their remarkable achievements to date and want to express to our students and staff that SETU is a place at which you are accepted in being yourself – a place where you can achieve your educational and professional goals." 

On the introduction of the new policy, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, said, "The Government is committed to making Ireland a country in which everyone can safely live, work, and enjoy their lives without barriers, discrimination, and intolerance.

"Through the introduction of this new policy, SETU is putting this aim into action, and ensuring its campus continues to be a safe, welcoming, and supportive place to study and learn for all." 

At the policy launch event in at the university's Carlow campus, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, commented, "I'm delighted to be here today to launch SETU's Gender Identity and Expression Policy.

"As an alumnus of the former IT Carlow, I'm proud to see the university leading by example in ensuring that this is a workplace and a learning environment where transgender, intersex, and non-binary staff and students can enter the doors of the university, safe in the knowledge that this is a space that is respectful and mindful of the importance of their gender status." 

The launch of this new policy is a continuation of the work of SETU’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, led by Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for EDI. 

Earlier in 2023, the team was presented with Europe’s first Inclusive Gender Equality Champion award by the European Commission in Brussels in recognition of SETU’s innovative gender equality plans. 

SETU currently leads a national project with other partner higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop and embed a sustainable Gender Identity and Expression Training Programme across HEIs, funded by the Higher Education Authority.

This has led to the creation of Ireland’s first Gender Identity and Expression Higher Education National Network.