Why EDI Matters: Equ(al)ity, Diversity and Inclusion in European Universities
13 December 2024
Call for Papers from the Equality & Diversity WG
Equ(al)ity | Diversity | Inclusion – What is the meaning of these words today, in our universities?
- What policies and practices have Coimbra Group Universities implemented to promote EDI over the last 5-10 years? What has each university achieved?
- Are there any changes envisaged, or currently under development, at Coimbra Group Universities, in the strategies/policies/initiatives to promote EDI?
- What alliances may Coimbra Group Universities devise in order to keep a focus on EDI in what looks like a difficult future?
These are some of the questions that the Equality and Diversity Working Group of the Coimbra Group would like to ask all Coimbra Group Universities at the outset of a collective project for a book on the increasingly challenging issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
In seeking contributions on “why EDI matters” we call for proposals from members of the Equality and Diversity Working Group as well as from any other interested researchers and administrators across the 40 Coimbra Group members, and from all other Working Groups of the Coimbra Group. Follow this link to download the Call for Papers.
The matter of the book itself calls for an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach.
Work for equality, diversity, and inclusion happens in several ways and on multiple levels within European universities. The central administration may offer means and infrastructure for developing and implementing equal opportunities policies. Meanwhile teaching and research as well as outreach activities may focus on EDI in content, methods, and theoretical approaches, also in critical ways.
The Coimbra Group network is a space for sharing and developing such work across our many ongoing academic and administrative efforts, and for finding sustainable modes of academic work across differences. Our book on Why EDI Matters will offer an opportunity to focus on what good happens in our universities in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to reflect on current EDI policies and practices; to ask how we may move beyond obsolete ways of thinking and teaching, and to give visibility to what matters, if we want our institutions to be hospitable, respectful, inclusive places of learning and living.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 20 January 2025. We look forward to hearing from you all with enthusiasm.