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NCI President statement of support for Indian community and reassertion of Anti-Racism Principles


Dr Jennie Rothwell, Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion HEA, witnessed NCI's formal signing of Anti-Racism Principles for HEIs

NCI formally signed the HEA's Anti-Racism Principles for HEIs in 2023

Statement in response to the recent attacks on Indian people living in Ireland.

National College of Ireland has a mission ‘to change lives through education’ and is proud to welcome students and community from all over Ireland and from many different countries to our campus.

Diversity is part of the strength of the NCI community; our staff and students of every colour and ethnicity make our learning environment a truly inspiring place.

I know my voice speaks for all in our community when I express my shock and sadness at the recent attacks against Indian people in Ireland. I join with President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, in saying that these actions stand in “stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear.”

I also understand that while these attacks do not represent the attitude of the majority of Irish people, they create an atmosphere of anxiety and insecurity for many. I want to assure our Indian students, and anyone who may be feeling vulnerable, of their welcome and support at NCI.

NCI is actively anti-racist. We strive to protect our students and to build a world where such protection is no longer needed.

We engage directly with An Garda Síochána through a pop-up Garda Station on-campus for all our staff and students and the wider community to share their concerns, report anti-social incidents, or ask for advice.

Our staff and students are offered ‘Bystander Training’, to empower everyone to address racist actions, in any place, at any time.

We work with local families, Irish and of many ethnicities, providing opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges. And we celebrate the key festivals of the world with our staff and students, truly believing that in our diversity, we are stronger.

We will continue this work to ensure the whole NCI community joins us in a visible and loud rejection of racism. And we will continue to consult with our students and staff to ensure our plans are fully informed.

Supports

The International Support Team is always happy to talk to our international students. Our online support hub includes a quick guide to connecting with NCI security or the Gardaí. Our counselling and wellness services are also available both online and in-person to all our students, or simply drop into Student Support Hub just off the atrium in NCI Mayor Square. Speak Out is also available, providing a space to report bullying or harassment in any form, and access supports. We remind staff of the EAP (Employee Assistance Programme). 

We encourage any of you feeling frightened, sad, angry or frustrated to contact support services. You are not alone. NCI stands with you, and so do the majority of Irish people. 

The Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) website has a reporting portal and links through to victim support, legal, emotional and specialist advice for those affected by racism, which you may wish to share with any friends who do not have access to NCI supports. Report Racism | INAR 

Ní neart go cur le chéile – together we are strong – and as a community, we will continue to celebrate and include everyone and promote our own atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. 

Thumbnail Gina headshot

Professor Gina Quin,
President, National College of Ireland