Promotion of Diversity on Campus

Hatsue Shinohara. Vice President for Equality & Diversity Promotion, International Public Relations, and Student Dormitory WISH; Professor at the Faculty of International Research and Education

Around what time did the word “diversity” become commonplace in our society? What exactly is the root value of this word? Furthermore, why is it necessary to promote “diversity”? As I take the position of the new Vice President, who is responsible for promoting diversity, three points come to mind.

The current Waseda University organization “Office for Promotion of Equality and Diversity” was formerly “Office for Promotion of Gender Equality.” The office changed to its current name in 2016. “Promotion of Gender Equality” was revised to “Diversity” because the scope of the people affected broadened even more.

The value that needs to be respected about “diversity” is that there is an ideal that the only people who can live happily in society, in a workplace, or at a school should not be only the majority, the people who hold the power. The source of this ideal is the universal value that everyone should be equal; however, it does not simply end at that. In order to implement this ideal within our society we need “promotion.”

In July 2017, Waseda University established its “Promotion of Diversity Declaration” which states “We must create an environment in which all members of the University, their dignity, and their diverse values and lifestyles being respected, can make the most of their individuality and abilities, regardless of sex, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, creed, age, and so on.”　Therefore, Waseda University has implemented various systems to achieve this goal, even just slightly, for both students and faculty alike. For example, childcare support (nursery facilities opened for both students and faculty) and support measures for female researchers. Also, our support measures for LGBTQ and people with disabilities will certainly continue to advance even further.

If there are any people who heard the word “diversity” and thought “What is that?”, I think it is important that you familiarize yourself to understand the importance of this ideal and the fact that it needs to be respected.

We have made gradual process to make this society an easier place for everyone to learn, work, and live. If the work that Waseda University has been doing to promote diversity has contributed to this movement, then I am happy.

Waseda University established the Office for Promotion of Equality and Diversity on July 1, 2016. This is a step-up effort following the University’s declaration on gender equality in 2007. In addition to promoting gender equality, the Office for Promotion of Equality and Diversity is committed to promoting diversity on campus in a broad sense including providing support to sexual minorities and those with disabilities through effective policy-making.

The Student Affairs Division believes that an environment where minority groups feel safe and livable is an environment which the majority would feel the same. Hence, in addition to the Office for Student with Disabilities and Intercultural Communication Center (ICC), Waseda University established the Gender and Sexuality Center (or GS Center) to further promote and support student diversity on campus. Additionally, as of April 2017, the office and two centers have merged under a single administration called the Student Diversity Center.

The Student Diversity Center is committed to 1) realizing a study environment where students of minority group feel safe about being themselves and 2) building an inclusive campus by promoting diversity and understanding toward minority groups among faculty members, staff and students. By fulfilling its commitments, the Student Diversity Center hopes to contribute to the University’s goal of becoming a model university for other Asian universities.

The Student Diversity Center will continue to work closely with the Office of Promotion and Equality, which makes policies concerning diversity on the university level, to provide necessary support and assistance to students at all levels.

Student Affairs Section

Tel: 03-3202-0706

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