General Manager's Address
In December 3, Hokkaido University published the "Diversity & Inclusion Promotion Declaration" to outline the direction the university should take and its commitment to future society from the perspective of diversity and inclusion. In line with this philosophy, in April 12, a new organization, the "Diversity & Inclusion Promotion Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters for Promotion of Diversity & Inclusion)," was established to work toward realizing a bias-free campus that overcomes unconscious discrimination and prejudice.DEIWe have established the "Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" (English name: Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).
DEIThe Promotion Headquarters has long focused on gender equality, including "creating an environment where female researchers can thrive with a vision for the future at various life stages" and "initiatives related to the training and support of female researchers." In addition, to address university-wide challenges aimed at realizing an environment where members with minority attributes, who have not been sufficiently inclusive until now, can fully demonstrate their abilities, the headquarters has established three departments: "Promoting Environmental Improvement," "Supporting the Training of Female Researchers," and "Promoting Education." With the cooperation of part-time faculty members within the university, the headquarters is carrying out a wide range of activities.
However, as our university's mission is to contribute to the realization of a world where no one is left behind, when we calmly examine the state of our own organization, we cannot deny that the inclusion of diverse members is insufficient. In order to solve global challenges, not only the methods of solving problems but also the diversity of perspectives in setting those problems is essential. As research activities are based on academic freedom and the awareness of issues of each individual, the awareness of issues that women, whose basic needs are not yet met at the same level as men, or people with minority attributes whose needs are not met at the same level as the majority, actually possess provides extremely important insights into the fundamental question of "what issues need to be solved in order to make the world a better place."
Considering the current state of our university,DEIA particularly important aspect of this initiative is changing the mindset of its members. Everyone has unconscious biases (unconsciously ingrained values and cognitive distortions), which can threaten the psychological safety of minorities and, in the long run, hinder sound decision-making. Therefore, it is necessary to seriously address the various systems, customs, and organizational cultures that currently assume biased perspectives.
"To contribute to solving global challenges starting from academia"DEITo further promote this initiative, we will work in cooperation with various departments within the university to re-examine the "assumptions" upon which the current learning and working environment at our university is based, and we will continue our efforts toward fundamental reform.
We would appreciate your continued guidance and cooperation in the future.
April 1, 2023
Executive Director and Vice President, Hokkaido University
Head of the Diversity and Inclusion Promotion Division
Junji Yamaguchi
