Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy (Reviewed)

Reviewed: 28.02.2025

Introduction and Purpose

Baku Eurasian University (hereinafter University) is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community where all members are valued, respected, and supported. We recognize that diversity in all its forms – including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, socioeconomic status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and national origin – enriches our educational environment and enhances our collective learning experience. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is fundamental to our mission of excellence in teaching, research, and service.

University is also committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the University’s values and commitments are aligned with SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Statement of Commitment

University is dedicated to promoting diversity, fostering inclusion, and achieving equity across all aspects of our operations and within the broader community. We affirm our commitment to:

• accept and value the diversity of people that make up our university community;
• establish a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to succeed and feels appreciated and respected;
• determine and remove institutional structural obstacles to access equity;
• establish a culture of belonging that encourages cooperation, creativity, and understanding between people;
• assist many communities on a local, national, and international level to promote equality and fairness in society.

Scope  

All employees (including, but not limited to, consultants, contractors, volunteers, casual workers, apprentices, and agency workers), researchers, and applicants to work or study at the university are all covered by this policy. Students include undergraduates, postgraduates, postdoctoral, and placement students. The values of equality and non-discrimination also apply to how visitors, staff members, suppliers, contractors, and other individuals involved in the operations of the university should be treated. This covers communication through electronic, online, and in-person means.

Legal base

The legal base of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy is based on the respective provisions of the respective legislations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Decrees and (or) the orders of the President and the Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Labor Code and the Law on Education and other related legal documents.

Principles and Values

At university, we pursue diversity, inclusion, and equity under the following guiding principles and values:

• Respect: Regardless of background or identity, we respect the intrinsic value and dignity of every person;
• Equity: We work to establish a just and fair atmosphere in which each member has an equal chance to prosper;
• Integrity: In all of our interactions, we adhere to the strictest principles of honesty, integrity, and moral behavior;
• Cooperation: We recognize that promoting diversity and inclusivity calls for the support and cooperation of all individuals within our community.

Responsibilities

Promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equity is a collaborative effort involving educators, staff members, students, administrators, and other relevant parties. University is dedicated to:

• providing resources and leadership to support programs promoting fairness, inclusiveness, and diversity;
• promoting a climate that is friendly and inclusive to all university community members;
• encouraging diversity in hiring, promoting, and retaining faculty, staff, and students;
• responding promptly and fairly to instances of bias, harassment, or discrimination;

o    Enhance accessibility and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

o    interacting with other groups in order to advance fairness, social justice, and constructive social change.

Recruitment and Retention

The university is dedicated to bringing in and keeping a diverse student body, faculty, and staff that represents the wide range of human experiences. We will:

• implement proactive strategies to attract candidates from underrepresented groups;
• ensure that recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias or discrimination;
• provide support and resources to help diverse faculty, staff, and students thrive and succeed within our institution.

Education and Training

The university will provide educational programs and training opportunities in order to improve cultural competency, advance understanding, and encourage inclusive practices. We will:

• provide mandatory instruction on subjects like inclusive teaching and learning, cultural competency, and unconscious prejudice.
• organize talks and awareness about diversity and inclusion concerns by providing workshops, seminars, and other educational activities.
• support the creation of inclusive curricula and teaching approaches that take into account a range of experiences and viewpoints.

Support Services

The university is dedicated to helping anyone who encounter harassment, discrimination, or other obstacles to inclusion by offering resources and support services. We will:

• provide easily available avenues for reporting instances of bias, harassment, or discrimination;
• offer private assistance and advocacy programs to people who have been subjected to harassment or discrimination;
• provide mental health services, counseling, and other resources to promote the overall wellbeing of the university community.

Review

To make sure it satisfies the changing needs of the university community and is in line with best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion, this policy will be reviewed annually to evaluate its efficacy.