Purple Friday: a pleasant and safe university environment for everyone

On December 10, the university will turn purple. By wearing purple on this Friday, we can show that everyone is accepted at the RUG, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or -expression. By doing this we draw attention to our LGBTQIA+ community, and her diversity that enriches our university and society. We ask everyone who endorses this to dress in purple that day or to choose a matching background picture when communicating online.

Safe university climate

In order to be able and dare to be yourself, a safe university climate is necessary for students and employees. The University of Groningen is a learning organisation, also in the field of diversity and inclusion. We have a zero tolerance policy with regard to undesirable behaviour, but we know that this does not prevent all discrimination at the university. It is important that we listen to each other, learn from each other and ensure that we respond appropriately when we hear of discriminatory treatment.

Diversity & Inclusion Office

That is why we are working hard on a well-functioning Diveristy & Inclusion Office, together with a diverse advisory committee, various working groups and with the close involvement of the University Council and the university community. It still happens that LGBTQIA+ people are discriminated against or treated unfairly at university. A university-wide working group will soon be established for and by the LGBTQIA+ community to advise the D&I office. We will keep you all informed and look forward to working with the LGBTQIA+ community at the RUG.

Share negative experiences

It is important that you share negative experiences with someone you trust. For example, a fellow student, a study advisor, a tutor, a colleague, a supervisor or the confidential advisor. If you think or doubt about reporting, or would like to report your experience, you can contact the confidential advisor. If you would like to talk to a professional, you can also contact the student psychologists or occupational health workers.

Ganymedes

Especially for LGBTQ+ students, there is Ganymedes, the student association that’s purple all year round. This association is committed to acceptance and equality for everyone within the LGBTQ+ community, and of course also offers a healthy dose of fun and typical ‘gezelligheid’. With more than 130 members (Dutch and international), you will always find someone for a good conversation or a fun drink here! In addition to weekly drinks, Ganymedes organises two activities per month. The association also has three confidential advisors, with whom you can talk about anything. Ganymedes events are open to everyone, so feel free to come by – here, you can find the safe haven you were looking for.

Apart from Ganymedes, we also would like to refer to The Groningen Feminist Network en Queer Pride Groningen.

Google Meet background colours purple

Google Meet offers the option to use your own photos as a background. Download the image below to show that everyone is accepted at the RUG, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or - expression.

How to do it:

• Open a Google Meet window via meet.google.com or a direct invitation link
• Click on the little figure in the lower right corner of the screen
• Click on the plus icon to upload your own image
• Upload you own image
• Set the background that you want to use
• If you are already in a meeting, click on the three dots in the lower right corner of the window and then click ‘change background’

Purple Friday-1

Purple Friday-2

Gerry Wakker, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Contact: diversity rug.nl
More information about Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Groningen you can find on the webpages Diversity & Inclusion