In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount, the importance of protecting, respecting, and promoting the rights of minorities in university companies cannot be overstated.
The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) organised a workshop dedicated to this critical topic, which brought together university deans, counselors, and lecturers from various departments.
The workshop commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Dr Michael Agustus Akagbor, a distinguished advocate for minority rights.
Akagbor emphasised the urgent need for universities to create inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and respected.
The workshop covered key themes, including policies for gender and sexual minorities, accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and spaces for minority religious and cultural groups.
The workshop also delved into crucial topics like freedom of expression and association, fair trial processes, and right/access to information.
This served as a stark reminder of the need for continuous education and training on unconscious bias for faculty and staff.
Speaking at the workshop in Accra on Wednesday (11 September), Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, Senior Fellow at CDD-Ghana, contributed valuable insights into curriculum reform, advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in course materials.
She argued that by broadening the curriculum to reflect a variety of voices and experiences, we can foster a more inclusive learning environment that benefits all students.
“Create a supportive and inclusive culture within university institutions that fosters the academic, social and emotional well-being of students within the sexual minority groups.”
“Educate university leaders about the fundamental principles of human rights once in their academic setting creates a platform for university leaders to share expresses challenges and strategic minority inclusion strategies.”
This sentiment underscored the importance of engaging students as active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives.
“Most often students are left in considering a definition of academic freedom or identifying the action in the academic freedom equation.”
“Creating a research and teaching space where discussion about human rights is as possible and engaging in human rights discussion in scientific documents sets an objective that can open opportunity for broader political and public debates on human rights issues.”
Also on his part, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, University of Ghana School of Law & Director of Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom, reminded tertiary institutions of the responsibility they hold as educators and administrators to create inclusive environments.
“More often students are left out and considering a definition of academic freedom or identifying the actors in the academic freedom equation.”
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