UCC launches its Race Equality Action Plan

25 Feb 2026

On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, UCC launched its first Race Equality Action Plan (2026-2028) (REAP). This Action Plan is a landmark step in our ongoing commitment to ensuring that UCC is a university where everyone is valued, respected and empowered to thrive.

In 2023, President John O’Halloran signed the Higher Education Authority’s  Anti-Racism Principles on behalf of UCC. This was a very important public pledge to advance race equality and to take meaningful steps to eliminate racial discrimination in higher education. The Anti-Racism Principles seek to challenge racial inequality across higher education and call on HEI leadership to acknowledge its existence and to recognise the power of universities to take action and influence Irish society.

By signing up for the Principles, UCC has committed to action across key areas, including:

• Embedding race equality as part of UCC’s culture and strategic priorities.
• Educating students and staff in relation to structural, institutional and historical dimensions of racism.
• Fostering an intersectional and intercultural approach when developing anti-racism actions and policies.
• Encouraging an open dialogue on advancing Race Equality.

UCC acknowledges that the progressive achievement of equality for our students and staff can only be realised through meaningful action. By endorsing these principles, UCC committed to becoming a leader of positive change, and to embed and drive anti-racism initiatives and policies that focus on long-term culture change.

Developed by a dedicated working group over eight months, following consultation with internal and external stakeholders, staff, students and community groups, and after an extensive review and approvals process, the UCC's REAP brings that pledge to life across five key pillars: Foundation, Culture, Success, Growth and Engagement. Together, they form a framework for progress that will strengthen leadership, transform systems, celebrate diversity and embed anti-racism into every facet of university life.

Speaking to a packed audience, President John O’Halloran said: “The UCC Race Equality Action Plan 2026– 2028 forms a framework for progress that will strengthen leadership, transform systems, celebrate diversity and embed anti-racism into every facet of university life. On behalf of UCC, I would like to thank the members of the UCC Race Equality Working Group, Race Equality Network and EDI Unit, and all the students, staff and members of the wider community who came together to develop this important institutional action plan.”

Dr Avril Hutch, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) said: “Today is the culmination of years advocacy and I want to acknowledge all those who have championed anti-racism work here in UCC and beyond in recent years. The Race Equality Working Group have developed a practical, achievable but impactful plan and we are delighted to share this with you today.”

Dr Hutch invited REAP Working Group Chairs (Dr Sanaa Khabbar, Dr Jatin Nagpal Dr Claire Raissian, and Dr Lekha Menon Margassery) to reflect on the REAP development process and hopes for the future.  

Dr Sanaa Khabbar, Race Equality Network Co-Chair, said: ‘As Amin Maalouf writes “For it is often the way we look at other people that imprisons them within their own narrowest allegiances. And it is also the way we look at them that may set them free.” My hope is that, here at UCC, the way we look at one another helps everyone feel free to belong and thrive without needing to shrink or hide any component of their identity.’

Dr Jatin Nagpal, Race Equality Network Co-Chair, said: “At the launch of Belonging in UCC EDI Framework launch, I was asked why a race equality action plan was important for the university at the time, and the answer to that question then, and now at the race equality action plan launch is quite the same – Diversity enriches the system, it needs to be nurtured and protected, and above all, it is the right thing to do.”

Fergal Crowley, UCCSU Welfare Officer: “By embedding these values in our student body, we’re shaping to become a more inclusive, aware and equitable community.”

Guest of Honour Dr Naomi Masheti, Director, Cork Migrant  Centre said: “Change is coming to UCC. So that everyone who walks through the gates of UCC can say, “This is my university”, and not “This is my university too.”

The event concluded with uplifting performances by award-winning poet Dagogo Hart of his poem “Home”  and the Atma Indian dance troupe.

Dagogo Hart’s home page link: https://www.dagogohart.com/about

Tobi’s Home Project: https://youtu.be/RdvcuPrJuoQ?si=TcsuZ8JpfRtCbgcG

Atma dance troupe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdvDgFJphxc

REAP Working Group Co-Chairs: Dr Sanaa Khabbar, Dr Jatin Nagpal, Dr Lekha Menon Margassery, Dr Avril Hutch, Anne-Marie Curtin, Dr Claire Raissian

For photos from the launch, click here.