06 Nov 2006

Creating an Intercultural Campus at UCC

UCC celebrates the diversity of its staff and students from 85 countries with the launch of Anti-Racist Week 2006 which runs from 6-10 November at UCC. Anti-Racist Workplace Week is an annual national event organised by the Equality Authority, the Committee of the National Action Plan Against Racism and the Social Partners.

Speaking at the launch today (6 November 2006), Ms Catherine Maguire, UCC Equality and Welfare Officer, said, "UCC is an intercultural and global educational institution. This is reflected in the diversity of people working and studying here. Anti-Racist Week has been organised by the University and the Students Union to challenge racism and to provide an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of staff and students in UCC."

Mr Piaras MacEinri, UCC Lecturer, Department of Geography, and speaker at the talk added "Combating racism in the sense of removing obstacles and fighting discrimination is a necessary but not sufficient step in meeting the challenge of diversity. We also need to work pro-actively to create a workplace which is a welcoming, enabling and empowering environment for all staff irrespective of their background." Mr MacEinri added, "This 'whole organisation' culture requires time, resources and an active commitment but the reward, in creating a dynamic environmental where all an achieve their potential, as well as doing the right thing, is worth the effort."

A variety of informative and fun events are planned during the week finishing up on Friday, 10 November with a Staff versus Students "World Cup" match in the Mardyke Arena.

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