Tohoku University Declaration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
– Working towards diversity and equity in education, research and an inclusive work environment
Tohoku University has upheld the principles of “Open Doors,” “Research First” and “Practice Oriented Research and Education” since its establishment in 1907. Departing from the norms of the other imperial universities at the time, Tohoku University accepted graduates from technical schools, and in 1913, became Japan’s first university to accept female students. It was also one of the first universities in Japan to welcome international students.
Tohoku University led the nation with the establishment of a Committee for Gender Equality in 2001, and issued the “Tohoku University Declaration of Gender Equality” the following year. In 2013, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the admission of its first female students, the university published the “Tohoku University Gender Equality Policy,” which has served as the basis for subsequent activities.
Since then, the university has identified the following seven priorities to help achieve gender equality. They are: providing work-life balance support and improving environment conditions; nurturing female leaders; nurturing the female students; honoring the achievements of women; facilitating local collaboration; promoting internationalization; and creating a support organization.
As a result of these efforts, from 2001 to 2021, the percentage of female doctoral students increased from 13.6% to 30.9%, and the percentage of female faculty members rose from 5.7% to 18.4%.
However, the ratio of female students and faculty members remains low compared to that of other universities in many parts of the world. There is a strict gender disparity in career paths not only at Tohoku University but in all of academia in Japan. We are, therefore, far from achieving gender parity of 1:1.
In 2021, the “Basic Policy on the Protection of Human Rights and the Prevention of Human Rights Violations at National University Corporation Tohoku University’ was formulated. Its goal is to eradicate “any acts of discrimination based on social status, lineage, race, creed, disability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity; or any unjust discrimination based on any other reasoning, or any other act that is in violation of basic human rights” (the Basic Policy “3. Definition of Human Rights Violations”). However, respect for diversity is a work in progress.
Building on the various policies established thus far, the “Tohoku University Declaration of Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)” is a commitment to work towards diversity and equity in education and research. It is also a pledge to continue promoting awareness, domestically and internationally, and developing an inclusive environment with systems to ensure that diversity is respected by all members of the university.
Tohoku University will promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) based on the following: