To be truly inclusive society must value and respect difference and this process is greatly facilitated when there is an informed appreciation of the richness that diversity confers on communities. Education has a key role in dispelling the ignorance and prejudice that are so often the cause of intolerance within society.
I congratulate the Higher Education Equality Unit of the HEA on their work in promoting equality and on their initiative in organising this conference which will focus on Minority Ethnic Groups in Higher Education. The conference will help to increase awareness of the importance of promoting equality of opportunity within the education system and I wish the organisers and participants every success.