'Leading by example', SETU launches Gender Identity and Expression policy

South East Technological University (SETU) launched its Gender Identity and Expression policy this week with events at both Waterford campus and Carlow campus.

The university is committed to support transgender, non-binary, and intersex staff and students and be a place that they can live as their true selves and fulfil their potential. A core aim for SETU is to create an environment that embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion in which all members of the university’s community are treated with dignity and respect. These values are encompassed in the policy that is underpinned by the key principle of respect.

Speaking at the launch event, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU said, “At SETU, we believe that a sense of belonging is essential for an individual to thrive in higher education. A supportive university environment is crucial to enable a person to embrace learning and fulfil their potential both academically and professionally. The launch of the Gender Identity and Expression Policy is a roadmap for SETU in its continued efforts to recognise the strength of diversity as an organisation. I commend the work of our EDI team on their remarkable achievements to date and want to express to our students and staff that SETU is a place at which you are accepted in being yourself – a place where you can achieve your educational and professional goals.”

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage was present at the launch on Carlow campus. Noonan commented, "I'm delighted to be here today to launch SETU's Gender Identity and Expression Policy. As an alumnus of the former IT Carlow, I'm proud to see the university leading by example in ensuring that this is a workplace and a learning environment where transgender, intersex, and non-binary staff and students can enter the doors of the university, safe in the knowledge that this is a space that is respectful and mindful of the importance of their gender status."

The launch of this new policy is a continuation of immense work accomplished by SETU’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, led by Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for EDI.

Earlier in 2023, the team was presented with Europe’s first Inclusive Gender Equality Champion award by the European Commission in Brussels in recognition of SETU’s innovative gender equality plans.

Additionally, SETU currently leads a national project with other partner higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop and embed a sustainable Gender Identity and Expression Training Programme across HEIs, funded by the Higher Education Authority. This has led to the creation of Ireland’s first Gender Identity and Expression Higher Education National Network.