UCC Launches Race Equality Action Plan

25 Feb 2026

On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, University College Cork (UCC) launched its first Race Equality Action Plan (2026-2028). 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 race inequality across higher education and call on HEI leadership to acknowledge that race inequality exists in higher education and recognise the power of universities to take action and to 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.  

Development of the Race Equality Action Plan (REAP)

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 Race Equality Action Plan 2026–2028 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.