虎扑电竞

Tohoku University is taking another big step towards fostering an inclusive environment with the launch of the DEI Lounge. It is a safe space initiative hosted by the Centre for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion every Wednesday afternoon at Kawauchi campus.

The DEI Lounge will officially debut on October 16 with a small opening ceremony and a talk by two special guests from the Sendai Gender Equality Foundation. This opening event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the DEI Lounge, listening to the talk or participating in the discussions.

Opening Ceremony and Talk
Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 12 noon - 2 p.m. (DEI Lounge will be open until 5 p.m.)
Venue: 1/F International Exchange Building, Kawauchi North Campus (map)

To apply: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/33110/
Capacity: 30 people (with welcome drink and refreshments)

Special Programme:

Topic: Let's Talk About Your Concerns Regarding Gender.

Speakers:

• Kanako Nakabayashi (L-Park Sendai, Administration and Project Division)
• Shihiro Kikuchi (Sendai Gender Equality Foundation, General Affairs and Planning Division)

Tohoku University has been championing gender equality and diversity since its founding over a century ago. Through its "Open Doors" policy, it has welcomed talented students from all walks of life even when it was against traditional norms. And in 1913, it was the first university in Japan to accept women.

In 2022, Tohoku University unveiled its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Promotion Declaration, renewing its commitment to building an environment where diversity is respected and where everyone has a voice. Plans to recruit more female faculty and staff, as well as international researchers, are also on-going.

Professor Masayuki Akiyama, vice director of the DEI Centre, says that plans to have a dedicated space on campus for DEI promotion activities began seven months ago following a request from members of AROW, a university circle for issues of sexuality. "While we had strong support from university management, finding a suitable location that was accessible to students was challenging. We are grateful to the Global Learning Centre for generously providing one of their rooms on Kawauchi campus."

For at least the next 12 months, the DEI Lounge will be open every Wednesday afternoon and staffed by students and members of the DEI Centre. Individuals or groups are encouraged to use the space to discuss topics such as gender, sexuality, disability and ethnicity, or hold activities that promote inclusion.

Hiroki Nemoto, a fourth-year student and leader of AROW, says he hopes that students will feel at ease in the DEI Lounge and return to use it regularly. "This is an important first step towards establishing a permanent safe space on campus."

The DEI Centre also plans to host monthly events such as talks and movie screenings at the Lounge. Anyone who's interested in attending these events can check the centre's website for updates. "Sometimes it's difficult for people to reach out. The DEI Lounge will be a good starting point for those seeking community and connection," says Nemoto.

Groups that wish to organize or host their own events at the Lounge can do so by submitting an online application a week in advance.

Akiyama says he envisions the Lounge as a "flat discussion space" where people of all ages and backgrounds, including students, faculty and administrators, can exchange opinions and ideas on DEI topics. "While we can't solve everything here, we can listen, identify and better understand the DEI issues faced by our university community."

DEI Lounge: Everyone is welcome
Hours: Every Wednesday, 1 - 5 p.m.
Location: 1/F International Exchange Building, Kawauchi North Campus (map )