Press release - June 24, 2024
CPED (Conférence Permanente des Chargés-es de mission Égalité - Diversité) wishes to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within our higher education and research community. In the current political climate, marked by racist, anti-Semitic, sexist and LGBTphobic rhetoric and proposals, we feel it is essential to recall the fundamental values that guide the 111 establishments that make up our network.
We believe that higher education institutions should be places where every individual, regardless of origin, gender, sexual orientation, health, political opinion, real or assumed religion or any other personal characteristic, is respected and valued.
That's why we are committed on a daily basis to creating a learning and working environment in which everyone can develop to the full.
Recent political developments, both nationally and internationally, raise legitimate concerns about the protection of the rights and freedoms of all members of our community. We are particularly concerned about any initiative that could encourage forms of violence and lead to discrimination or exclusion of certain groups. It is our responsibility to defend and promote values of tolerance and mutual respect, and to sound the alarm if these rights are threatened. In this respect, CPED is stepping up its support for projects aimed at raising awareness and educating on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
We also call on politicians to consider the impact of their speeches and actions on social cohesion, and to work towards an inclusive and equitable future for all. We, CPED, will continue to advocate policies and laws that respect and protect diversity in all its forms and fight against all forms of discrimination.
In these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to support each other and remain true to our values. That's why CPED is calling for a massive turnout for the votes on June 30 and July 7 to defend equality and non-discrimination issues and put them at the heart of the political debate.