Universities urged to enhance inclusivity and protect student rights at CDD-Ghana Workshop

Accra, Ghana, September 11, 2024—The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) hosted a significant workshop at the Erata Hotel conference hall in Accra, focusing on human rights, inclusivity, and diversity within university campuses.

This event gathered Deans of Students, counselors, and student leaders to confront the pressing issues related to inclusivity, particularly in light of recent legislative changes affecting student rights.

Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of CDD-Ghana and Dean of the School of Information and Communications Studies at the University of Ghana, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Communicating on Diversity and Inclusion: Protecting Private and Confidential Data.” She underscored the critical importance of safeguarding students’ privacy while creating an inclusive educational environment.

During her talk, Professor Gadzekpo highlighted alarming incidents of discrimination and violence faced by students with disabilities and those identifying as LGBTQI. She stressed the need for universities to broaden their definitions of inclusivity. “The university is a bit gun-shy right now about really expanding on how they define inclusivity and diversity. We must account for all manner of differences within our context, including gender, social demographics, and sexual orientation,” she stated in a subsequent interview.

To address these challenges, she proposed proactive measures, including awareness campaigns designed to foster respect and tolerance on campuses. “It’s essential for universities to send strong signals about their commitment to inclusivity,” she urged, advocating for comprehensive social issues management plans to prepare institutions for sensitive topics and enhance crisis communication.

Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, a Senior Fellow at CDD-Ghana, echoed these sentiments in her presentation on human rights, inclusion, and diversity within academic settings.

“The university is not a secondary school; it is a place for adults,” she asserted, emphasizing the necessity for environments that promote open dialogue and free expression.

Professor Manuh highlighted the importance of not only teaching human rights but also ensuring that students are aware of their rights and the human rights landscape in their communities.

She called for the establishment of human rights-compliant learning environments, advocating for policies and services such as counseling that ensure all students feel safe and included. “Adopting comprehensive policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and ill-treatment in educational institutions is crucial to ensuring their right to education,” she stated.

Additionally, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua from the University of Ghana School of Law and Director of the Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom spoke about the significance of academic freedom in fostering a diverse educational atmosphere.

“Academic freedom is not just about the freedom of faculty; it encompasses the rights of students to engage actively in debates and discussions,” he noted, stressing that a safe environment for expression enhances the educational experience and promotes critical thinking.

Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, a Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, noted the workshop’s timely nature, expressing concern that many attendees, including deans of students, had not yet engaged with significant legislative changes impacting student rights.

“It is concerning that many participants had not read the bill that is of such national importance,” he remarked, calling for public officials to set aside personal biases in their professional roles, particularly in sensitive contexts.

The discussions revealed a spectrum of perspectives on LGBTQI issues and the rights of sexual and gender minorities. While some participants advocated passionately for the recognition and protection of these rights, others expressed discomfort, highlighting a divide in views on inclusivity and diversity within university settings.

One participant emphasized the need for more dialogue, stating, “It has worked out well for me, but we need to dialogue more to better understand these issues,” underscoring the importance of recognizing the LGBTQI community as integral to society.

As the workshop concluded, Dr. Akagbor expressed optimism for increased dialogue and advocacy for inclusivity on campuses. He emphasized that fostering an empowering environment would enable students to feel safe reporting issues such as sexual harassment.

The event culminated in a call for sustained engagement among stakeholders to advocate for inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that Ghanaian universities evolve into spaces that respect and protect the rights of all students.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor