In 2024, the International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against prejudice and inequality. Observed annually on March 21st, this day holds particular significance in a world where racial discrimination persists despite decades of progress and activism.
Amidst global challenges and societal shifts, the importance of this day cannot be overstated. Across various regions and industries, racial discrimination continues to manifest in systemic barriers, unequal opportunities, and persistent biases. From education and employment to healthcare and criminal justice, marginalised communities face disproportionate challenges and injustices based on race and ethnicity.
At Temple, we have several key policies in place to promote a culture of inclusivity. One such policy includes our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. We believe that by celebrating diversity we can embed equality, inclusion and social justice within our ethos, creating an environment that fosters a greater opportunity for professional growth.
One of the mechanisms that Temple utilises to actualise these aims is ‘conscious inclusion’. This can be defined as a deliberate and mindful effort to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and fully included, regardless of their background or identity.
Temple aims to achieve this through:
- Ensuring fair and transparent recruitment and promotion processes
- Providing ongoing training and raising awareness
- Enabling an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion advocacy group
- Reporting on Diversity statistics every month
- Providing access to information and signposting this to Temple employees
- Celebrating diverse cultures through social activities and in the company newsletter
This policy applies to all employees and informs how we engage and make decisions regarding our colleagues, clients and other stakeholders.
At Temple, we highly endorse the International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination and truly believe it catalyses dialogue, advocacy, and policy change. It provides an opportunity for us as individuals and organisations to reflect on our roles in combating racism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through our ongoing commitment to learning about how we can do better, we can help foster a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and mutual respect.