In this episode, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Oxford’s Chief Diversity Officer, Professor Tim Soutphommasane, about belonging, access, free expression, and how EDI is shaping the future of the University.
In this episode of Oxford Student Voices, SU President for Welfare, Equity and Inclusion, Alisa Brown, speaks with Professor Tim Soutphommasane, Oxford’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Practice in Human Rights and Political Theory.
At the heart of their conversation is the idea of belonging: what it means to arrive at Oxford and truly feel part of its community. They explore how the University’s Everyone Belongs Strategic Plan aims to make that sense of belonging real for every student, from their first week through to graduation. Together they discuss the impact of initiatives such as Opportunity Oxford, the Astrophoria Foundation Year and Academic Futures, alongside the University’s ongoing work to close awarding gaps and strengthen graduate access.
The discussion also moves into more difficult territory: from how universities should respond to racism and online abuse, to questions about whether EDI plays a part in admissions, and how to balance inclusion with free expression in a diverse academic community.
Drawing on new research into public attitudes towards equality and fairness, Alisa and Tim consider what fairness and opportunity mean in today’s national climate, and how Oxford can lead by example.
This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of belonging at Oxford, and how together we can make the University a place where everyone feels at home and able to thrive.
References and Resources:
• Everyone Belongs: The Collegiate University EDI Strategic Plan 2024–27 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/article/everyone-belongs-new-collegiate-university-edi-strategic-plan
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2023–24 – https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-annual-report-2023-24
• Finding Common Ground on EDI – https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/our-work/research/finding-common-ground-on-edi/
