“My goal is to make my own job redundant. As a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) coordinator, I represent marginalised student populations. It’s important that they experience education and the campus as safe and inclusive. My ultimate goal is to create a climate in which safety and inclusivity are so embedded that my job is no longer relevant.
Most universities are designed with the average student in mind. But if you belong to a marginalised group, you learn to adapt or conceal parts of your identity in order to conform to what is expected of you. The students I work with offer different perspectives, which is enriching - especially for a knowledge institution like a university. I believe we must work together to ensure that these realities can coexist safely and equally.
Radboud Welcomes Newcomers is a great step in the right direction. Students with a refugee background can enjoy academic education in short learning pathways, irrespective of their status. I love seeing how welcoming the other students are. It’s up to us as a university to listen and to take responsibility.”