What we do and why it matters
The Ethnic Diversity Forum (EDF), a sub-committee of the UL Human Rights-EDI Steering Committee, was established in 2021 to advise on policies and action plans before they are approved by the UL Human Rights-EDI Steering Committee, which is a sub-committee of the UL Executive Committee.
Our mission is to promote race equality on campus and develop policies for inclusion, respect, safety, and fairness at UL.
We define ethnicity as groups of people based on cultural expression, nationality, regional culture, ancestry, and language.
We understand race as a social construct, shaped by human invention. Therefore, race is not acknowledged as an inherent biological reality.
The EDF acknowledges ‘race equality’ as ‘equal representation, equal experiences and equal outcomes of staff from minority ethnic groups’
Read the Higher Education Authority's report on Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector (PDF).
Our key objectives
- Educate and raise awareness about ethnic diversity to help everyone understand different perspectives and experiences at UL.
- Stop racial and ethnic harassment, inequality, and discrimination to have an inclusive campus.
- Develop and implement anti-racism policies and strategies.
Ethnic Diversity Forum (EDF) structure
The Ethnic Diversity Forum (EDF) is led by the Forum Steering Committee, which oversees the Forum's activities and reports quarterly to the UL Human Rights, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (HR-EDI) Steering Committee.
In 2021, Dr. Yoga Nathan was appointed as the inaugural Chairperson of the Steering Committee, succeeded by Dr. Niloufar Omidi in 2024. In January 2025, George Barreto was appointed Deputy Chair.
The Chairperson leads discussions, sets agendas, and represents the Forum on the HR-EDI Steering Committee. They ensure effective communication and encourage participation in EDF activities.
Steering Committee members
- Professor Helen Phelan
- Professor Hussain Mahdi
- Dr Maria Rieder
- Dr Yonit Kosovske
- Aysha Liyana KC
- Dr Anca Minescu
- Lucy Edith Kiiza (Postgraduate Student Union President)
- Ronan Cahill (Student Life President)
Working Groups
The EDF consists of four working groups:
- Action Plan Implementation Working Group, Chaired by Dr George Barreto
- Policy Development Working Group, Chaired by Dr Andrew Shorten
- Research Design (Survey & Focus Group), Chaired by Dr Gulnaz Anjum
- Social Media & Communication Working Group, Chaired by Aysha Liyana KC
Become a member
The Ethnic Diversity Forum (EDF) welcomes staff and students of the University of Limerick to join the Forum, regardless of their ethnic background.
If you would like to join, you can complete our form to become a member.
Additionally, EDF members are welcome to join one or more Working Groups by expressing their interest via the form linked here.
By joining, you can:
Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making UL a diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus
Actively participate in policy development, event organisation, and action plan implementation
Access support from the Forum
Anti-racism Campaign
Every year we run an event on the 21st of March to show racism the red card. This event coincides with Wear Red Day, which symbolises standing against racism and saying NO to racism. Plassey House is also illuminated in red to show Racism the Red card for one week.
On 21 March 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the EDF launched the UL Anti-racism Campaign by a panel discussion on 'Victims of Racism'. The discussion featured insights from academia, An Garda Síochána, and civil society.
On March 2025, As part of our RespectfUL Campaign and in celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we organised a World Café event to foster meaningful discussions on race equality on campus.
Photo credits: Alan Place
Race Equality Framework and Action Plan 2024–2027
The Race Equality Framework and Action Plan 2024–2027 aims to foster cultural and institutional change to achieve race equality.
Every member of the UL community shares a responsibility to actively combat racism and create an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute their perspectives, approaches and insights, thereby enriching teaching, research and the overall university experience.
The action plan given in section 8 below is informed by policy and legal instruments at national, European and international levels.
Furthermore, the action plan was developed based on the aspirations of ethnic minorities and reflects their voices.
It will be regularly updated through consultations with affected groups to ensure it remains dynamic and responsive in varying circumstances.
