With students and staff from over 140 countries around the world, diversity is integral to LSE. The School’s dynamic mix of people and ideas underpins our global reputation for excellence in the social sciences, and makes studying and working at LSE a unique and enriching experience.
In support of the ongoing success of LSE students, staff and the wider School community, LSE is committed and accountable for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all its forms. LSE believes that diversity is critical to maintaining excellence in all of our endeavours.
We seek to enable all members of the School community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality of respect and opportunity.
Through the implementation of transparent policies, practices and procedures, the School has due regard to our duties under the Equality Act 2010, and to the protected characteristics[1] detailed in the Act. The School seeks to fulfil this commitment by ensuring that our policies, training and development reflect the principles laid down in this statement, as well as our obligations under the law.
The School is committed to embedding and mainstreaming equity, diversity and inclusion through the following overarching areas of focus:
1) To advance diversity of student recruitment, equity of attainment, and an inclusive community
2) To promote inclusive teaching, education and engagement
3) To promote diversity amongst the School's staff communities, and an inclusive staff experience
4) To achieve an inclusive School environment, which promotes equality of respect and opportunity for all members of the School's diverse community.
This policy is applicable to all students, staff, applicants and visitors. Further details of these areas of focus are outlined in LSE's 'Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2017–2022'. The principles of non-discrimination and equity also apply to the way in which staff and students should treat each other, visitors, contractors, service providers, suppliers, former staff and students and any other persons associated with the functions of the School.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the LSE Strategy 2020 and the LSE Ethics Code.
[1] The nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are 'age', 'disability', 'gender reassignment' (now commonly understood as 'gender identity'), 'marriage and civil partnership', 'pregnancy and maternity', 'race', 'religion or belief', 'sex', and 'sexual orientation'.