University shows its support for IDAHO

Thursday, 17 May 2012

The Vice-Chancellor, students and staff at the flag raising ceremony

To mark the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO), staff and students gathered to raise a rainbow flag on the Whiteknights campus this morning.

Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, speaking at the ceremony said; "The University of Reading has a proud history in promoting an equal and tolerant society and remains an enlightened place to work and study with a strong focus on equality and diversity. This does not mean that we should relax in the confidence that all is well and fair in the world. 

"The fact that around the globe the International Day Against Homophobia remains an important focal point for establishing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people, shows how important it is that we all play our own part in supporting equality in our communities and the wider world."

In 1957, the University of Reading, through its then Vice-Chancellor, Lord Wolfenden, played a significant part towards creating a fairer society in Britain, with the publication of the historic Wolfenden Report. The report recommended that "homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in private should no longer be a criminal offence". A decade later, these recommendations were finally enshrined in law, changing British society for ever.

Ensuring equality and diversity within the University remains an important part of the University's agenda. Our own Equality Objectives were published earlier this year to ensure we provide an inclusive environment, which promotes equality, values diversity and respects the rights and dignity of all our students, staff and visitors.