Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to uphold the principle of inclusivity as a cornerstone of its identity. Guided by the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, unity in diversity, the university ensures that every member of its academic community is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. UNNES firmly rejects all forms of discrimination, including those based on gender, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, or culture, emphasizing that equality and mutual respect are essential foundations of academic excellence and social harmony.
UNNES’s commitment to non-discrimination is reflected in its institutional policies and ethical frameworks. The university enforces the UNNES’s commitment to non-discrimination, reflected in the Rector’s Regulation No. 124 of 2024 on Code of Ethics and Campus Discipline as the foundational governance framework for the university, which mandates every member of the UNNES community to uphold ethical behavior, prevent any form of discrimination or harassment, and maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment.
In addition, the regulation is then translated into the Circular Letter No. B/996/UN37/KP.06.05/2024, consisting of 5 points that highlight the institutional commitment to becoming an inclusive campus by providing equal opportunities, access, and services to all members of the academic community, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or racial background, gender, social status, physical ability, sexual orientation, immigration status, or political views.
Point number 5 specifically mentions that the Counseling Service Center, the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (Satgas PPKS), and the Disability Service Unit (ULD) the university’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy provides comprehensive protection for all individuals, including transgender people. The policy strictly prohibits discriminatory practices based on gender identity or expression in all aspects of university life, ranging from student admissions and employment to promotion, academic participation, and campus interactions. To ensure accountability, the university has established confidential grievance mechanisms and rapid response channels for those who experience or witness discrimination.
Translating Inclusivity into Action
UNNES operationalizes its inclusivity principles through continuous education and community engagement programs designed to build empathy and awareness among students, lecturers, and staff.
- Ethics and Character Development Programs: Courses and training sessions are embedded in the university’s curriculum and staff development programs to promote understanding, ethical conduct, and respect for diversity.
- Safe and Supportive Spaces: The university maintains accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms for cases of discrimination or harassment, ensuring that every individual feels secure and heard.
- Inclusive Campus Governance: UNNES encourages participation from individuals of diverse backgrounds in academic committees, student organizations, and community programs, ensuring balanced representation and inclusive leadership.
- Partnerships for Equality: Collaboration with civil society groups and equality-focused institutions strengthens advocacy and builds collective capacity to create a campus that respects human rights and social justice.
Protection and Continuous Evaluation
When incidents related to discrimination occur, UNNES responds promptly through an established protection protocol. This includes confidentiality for the reporter, assistance from designated university officers, and follow-up actions emphasizing resolution and education rather than punishment alone.
To maintain its relevance and responsiveness, UNNES continuously reviews and updates its ethics and inclusion policies based on feedback and national guidelines. This ongoing evaluation ensures that its principles align with both Indonesian values and international standards of equality and respect.
Through these institutional frameworks and ethical standards, UNNES reaffirms its position as a university that not only celebrates diversity but also protects it. The university’s strong stance on ethics, inclusivity, and human dignity demonstrates that equality is not merely a policy, but a lived value within the UNNES community.
