The Diversity Office is launching the Leiden Inclusion Blog as a forum to share experiences and discuss current issues related to diversity and inclusion within the university community. As COVID-19 related measures are easing, the differences in how we experience this period become more apparent. For some, returning to campus bears more risks for their health because of limited immunity or because they take care of partners or family members who are in an at-risk group. There are also questions about precautions: can and should we wear masks or not? And there are students and staff members who may not be in the Netherlands and thus unable to attend classes or meetings on campus. While we are all in this together, it may mean different things for different people.

Feeling safe and welcome is a crucial precondition to be able to study and do our work. This is why this is an important moment to share our stories, listen, and recognize the diverse and intersectional realities of COVID-19. Understanding how and why the same situation can mean different things to different people also allows us to respect difference and diversity. It ensures we do not assume what we experience this period applies to everyone else. And it provides insights into how to make our working and learning environment more inclusive.

Our first blog posts focus on how members of our networks look at the current period: is COVID-19 really an equalizer? What questions arise from the perspective of students and staff with a disability? How do we celebrate religious holidays and community in a lock-down? All members of the university community are invited to contribute to the blog. If interested, please write to us at inclusionblog@bb.leidenuniv.nl. Updates can also be followed on our Facebook page.

Please get in touch and share your story!