Dublin City University launches its Race Equality Framework and Action Plan
Dublin City University today launched its Race Equality Framework and Action Plan 2025–2028, setting out the University’s roadmap to eliminate racism and advance race equality across all areas of university life.
Developed over the past year through a consultative process led by the DCU Race Equality Working Group, the plan reflects broad engagement with staff and students across the University. It provides a structured framework to embed anti-racism in DCU’s culture, systems and everyday practice under seven pillars:
- Leadership & Strategy
- Diverse Talent: Equity in Careers and Progression
- Student Success and Belonging
- Transparent Policies and Reporting
- Building Awareness and Inclusive Practice
- Fostering a Diverse Campus Experience
- Informed Action: Data-Driven Insights
The launch event was opened by Deputy President Professor Anne Sinnott and DCU Students’ Union Vice-President for Diversity and Inclusion, Malha Muhammed, and featured a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Niamh McGuirk with contributions from Gertrude Rufai, Dr. Gordon Ogutu, Dr. Hadjer Taibi and Harry Mallon.
Speaking about the launch of the Framework and Action Plan, President of Dublin City University Professor Daire Keogh said
“At DCU, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our staff and student population and on our inclusive values. As a signatory of the HEA Anti-Racism Principles, we believe that Universities like ours have a responsibility to be leaders of positive change in society, challenging racism and race inequality wherever we find it.
I warmly welcome the scope of the Action Plan with its ambition to eliminate racism across the university community, and I want to thank all those involved in its development. The next steps are up to us, as we work together to make DCU a University where everyone can be assured of their right to learn and work without fear of racism or discrimination in any form.”
Vice-President for People, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Gareth Yore said
“Developed through extensive consultation with students and staff, this plan reflects the lived experiences and voices of our community. It sets out clear objectives to remove barriers, foster inclusion, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens DCU as a place of learning, discovery, and belonging.
Through targeted and measurable actions, the plan addresses the challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority staff and students. It aligns with the broader DCU Strategic Plan, embedding race equality across all aspects of institutional life—including recruitment, retention, curriculum, research, and community engagement.”
Black History Month
As part of DCU’s Black History Month programme, the event today also marked the opening of Black Voices: A Celebration of Black Excellence in DCU — an exhibition showcasing the breadth of talent, creativity and leadership of Black staff, students and alumni who help shape the University community. The exhibition will be on display throughout November in the O’Reilly Library on the Glasnevin campus and in the Cregan Library on the St. Patrick’s campus.
