Universities urged to enhance inclusivity and protect student rights

Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of CDD-Ghana and Dean of the School of Information and Communications Studies at the University of Ghana, emphasized the necessity of safeguarding students' privacy while fostering an inclusive environment during a pivotal workshop focused on human rights, inclusivity, and diversity.

She made this known during an event held at the plush auditorium of the Erata Hotel in Accra.

The event brought together student leaders, counselors, and deans of students to discuss urgent issues related to inclusivity, particularly in light of recent laws affecting students' rights.

In her insightful presentation titled “Communicating on Diversity and Inclusion: Protecting Private and Confidential Data,” Professor Gadzekpo highlighted recent incidents on campuses where students with disabilities and those identifying as LGBTQI have faced discrimination and violence.

She stressed the urgency for universities to expand their definitions of inclusivity.

“The university is a bit gun-shy right now about really expanding on how they define inclusivity and diversity. We must account for all manner of differences within our context, including gender, social demographics, and sexual orientation,” she stated in a sideline interview.

To tackle the significant challenges identified, Professor Gadzekpo proposed proactive measures, including awareness-raising campaigns aimed at fostering respect and tolerance on campuses.

“It’s essential for universities to send strong signals about their commitment to inclusivity,” she urged, advocating for the development of comprehensive social issues management plans to better prepare institutions for sensitive matters and effective crisis communication.

Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, a Senior Fellow at CDD-Ghana, reinforced these ideas in her presentation about addressing human rights, inclusion, and diversity within universities.

“Universities should endeavor to promote and teach the values of tolerance, inclusion, diversity, and respect for educational materials, curricula, and training,” she emphasized.

She underscored the importance of not only teaching human rights but also making students aware of their rights and the human rights situation within their communities.

Professor Manuh called for creating human rights-compliant learning environments, advocating for the development of policies and services such as counseling and support to ensure all students feel safe and included.

She highlighted the need for universities to commit to the safety, dignity, and inclusivity of all persons, including sexual minorities.

“Adopting comprehensive policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and ill-treatment in educational institutions is crucial to ensuring their right to education,” she stated.

Additionally, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua from the University of Ghana School of Law and Director of the Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom addressed the importance of academic freedom in cultivating a diverse educational atmosphere.

“Academic freedom is not just about the freedom of faculty; it encompasses the rights of students to engage actively in debates and discussions,” he noted.

He stressed that when students feel safe to express their views without fear of repercussion, it enriches the educational environment and promotes critical thinking.

Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, a Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, remarked on the timeliness of the workshop, expressing concern that many participants, including deans of students, had not yet engaged with significant legislative changes affecting student rights.

“It is concerning that many participants had not read the bill that is of such national importance,” he commented, calling for public officers to separate personal biases from their professional duties, especially in sensitive contexts.

The discussions highlighted varied perspectives among participants regarding LGBTQI issues and the rights of sexual and gender minorities.

While some advocates called for the recognition and protection of these rights, others expressed hesitance or discomfort, revealing a significant divide in views on inclusivity and diversity within university settings.

One participant emphasized the need for more dialogue, stating, “It has worked out well for me, but we need to dialogue more to better understand these issues.”

Reflecting on the anticipated outcomes of the workshop, Dr. Akagbor expressed hope for increased dialogue and advocacy for inclusivity on campuses.

He emphasized that creating an empowering environment would enable students to feel safe in reporting issues such as sexual harassment.

The workshop concluded with a call for ongoing engagement among stakeholders to advocate for inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that universities in Ghana evolve into spaces that respect and protect the rights of all students.

As institutions grapple with the complexities of inclusivity amidst changing societal attitudes and legislative measures, events like this play a crucial role in reshaping perceptions and fostering a culture of respect and understanding on campuses.