Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Department of Philosophy
We want the Department of Philosophy to be an equal, diverse and inclusive community. We have a number of initiatives through which we strive for this.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC) is made up of undergraduate, graduate and staff volunteers, and exists to ensure that the Sheffield Philosophy Department is as equal, diverse and inclusive a community as possible. We are keen to make sure that the department does all it can to actively support and include each and every member, both students and staff. We aim to attend to all aspects of diversity, such as:
- age
- caregiving responsibilities
- disability
- gender
- learning difficulties
- mental health
- nationality
- race
- sexuality
- socioeconomic/class background
We meet once per semester, and everyone is welcome to come to these meetings. We especially encourage the participation of volunteers who identify as members of minority or under-represented groups. Everyone is invited to attend the EDIC, and any student or staff member who wants to volunteer can be a representative.
Gender Inclusion Policy
The Gender Identity Policy exists to ensure that all staff and students (including transgender people, staff and students associated with transgender people and people perceived to be transgender) are treated with dignity and respect. The policy supports students regardless of ‘out’ status. Students’ trans status will not be shared without written consent.
The Department of Philosophy will not tolerate any discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.
Trans Student Tutor: Jules Holroyd
Trans Student Representative: TBC
Read our gender inclusion policy
Women in Philosophy
We actively work to promote women in philosophy and their work, and our department has a long history of support for women. Our very first graduate was Alice Miller, who received a First in 1915. More recently we have twice been recognised for women-friendliness by the Society for Women in Philosophy. We run two annual Women in Philosophy events: an evening social event for women postgraduate students and staff, and a public lecture on Women in the History of Philosophy. 29% of permanent, full-time academic staff are women, above the UK average of 24%.
Members of the department have recently been working on behalf of women in philosophy and across the University, leading on work evaluating parental leave policies and practice, with recommendations for improvements to both. We have also been working with HR to make parental leave policies more trans inclusive. Members of the department have also been working with the faculty to support part time workers (who are predominantly women), and with HR to develop training to address implicit biases.
We have adopted the BPA/SWIP guidelines in their entirety, and we have the above mentioned Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee which any undergraduates, postgraduates or staff members can join and actively participate in the work for equality and inclusion.
Diversifying Curricula
We are taking steps towards reflecting on our current modules and incorporating perspectives into the curriculum that critically reflect on the ways that colonial histories have contributed to a distorted and unduly narrow ‘traditional canon’. You can read more about this work here.
Minorities in Philosophy (MAP)
Sheffield has a MAP chapter which, among other things, organises an annual MAP lecture, to promote the work of minorities in philosophy.
Equality and Diversity Committee Issues Report Form
This form provides the possibility to report any issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion (anonymously, if they wish). Responses to the form go to the chair of the Equality and Diversity Committee, and are treated with high confidentiality. You can find the Equality and Diversity Committee Issues Report Form here:
Safer Space
The department encourages those organising events to consider adopting a safer spaces policy, to strive for inclusive environments in which philosophical conversations can flourish. The EDIC has developed a model policy, which can be read here.