Ensuring UCC is a place where everyone is safe, respected and valued

18 Sep 2025

As we begin a new term at University College Cork (UCC), it is important to pause and reflect on what makes our community strong. At the heart of UCC is our diverse community of students and staff - people who bring with them different cultures, languages, perspectives and lived experiences. This richness of backgrounds and ideas is central to who we are as a university and strengthens our teaching, learning and research.

UCC is a place where everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. There is no place for racism, discrimination, harassment or violence of any kind in our university. Our approach is one of zero tolerance.

The recent appalling attacks on Indian citizens, as well as other migrant and minority communities in Ireland, demonstrate that as a society we still have to work to do. Racism is a growing challenge across society. Universities have a responsibility to be proactive in addressing it - through education, policy and everyday actions that make all members of our community feel respected, supported and safe. UCC condemns these recent attacks and stands with the Indian community in Ireland.

Every one of us plays a role in shaping a campus where dignity, respect and belonging are lived values. As we move through this academic year, let us commit to supporting one another, challenging prejudice where we encounter it, and ensuring that UCC continues to be a welcoming place for all.

What UCC is Doing on Race Equality

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), including race equality, are embedded in the UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028, supported by a dedicated EDI Framework.
• In alignment with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Anti-Racism Principles and endorsed by the national Higher Education Authority Implementation Plan for Race Equality, a UCC Race Equality Action Plan is being developed, with measures to raise awareness, enhance data collection, strengthen supports and improve university policies and procedures.
• A dedicated Race Equality Staff Network.
• Online and in-person race equality training is available to all staff.

How You Can Support

• Listen: Ensure diverse voices are represented and amplified.
• Learn: Explore resources on systemic racism and complete UCC’s anti-racism training on Canvas.
• Show support: Attend UCC race equality and anti-racism events.
• Take responsibility: Use inclusive language and ensure your work reflects the diversity of our community.
• Engage: Support the rollout of the UCC Race Equality Action Plan at every level of the university.

If You Experience or Witness Racism

Please report it so that we can provide support and take action:

1. An Garda Siochana at 999/112
2. UCC Security at 021 4902266
3. Staff Wellbeing & Development to avail of staff supports, including EAP 
4. Student Support Tree
5. The Race Equality Network
6. The EDI Unit team
7. You can also report anonymously on the online reporting tool Speak Out

We stand together in solidarity with all those targeted and continue our efforts in ensure our university remains a community where diversity is celebrated and everyone is supported to thrive.