The Diversity Charter awards and distinctions are granted to companies, organisations, local governments and institutions active in promoting DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) activities and values in Poland, in particular in the area of promoting and managing diversity in the workplace.
This is the third edition of the Diversity Charter Awards, in the categories of DEI in business, DEI in local government, and DEI in the non-business sector. Voters in an online poll and an independent jury selected the winning projects and awarded the distinctions.
The distinction for UniLodz, awarded in the DEI category in the non-business sector, was collected by the UniLodz Vice-Rector for Science, dr hab. Dorota Golańska, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, and Dr Aleksandra Różalska, the Rector’s Representative for Equal Treatment and Dr Agata Rudnicka.
The project "Support for non-binary and transgender students, doctoral students and those training at doctoral schools of the University of Lodz" assumes the possibility for transgender and non-binary people to use preferred names and pronouns in Office 365 tools (adapting the student e-mail address and Teams to the preferred data) – the so-called data overlay.
The introduction of preferred names and pronouns into everyday communication is one way to build an open and safe space for everyone studying and working at the University of Lodz. This gesture demonstrates that the university actively supports equality and works to create an inclusive and friendly environment. Relationships between students and those working at the university should be based on mutual trust and understanding, and this approach helps build positive, supportive relationships that can foster a sense of security. The use of preferred names and pronouns signals that our university staff recognises and accepts the individuality of each person. This is especially important in the context of higher education, where students often seek not only intellectual but also personal support.
More information about this year's Diversity Charter Gala and the winners (in Polish)
Source: Responsible Business Forum
Edit: Press Office, University of Lodz
