How LSST Birmingham is Building Diversity and Inclusion by Uniting Community through Culture

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Amid LSST’s bustling Birmingham campus, LSST’s Cultural Day emerged as a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusivity, underscoring LSST’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among students and staff.

Mohsin Riaz, Dean of LSST Birmingham, said: ‘At LSST, diversity is our strength everywhere. We strive to create a learning environment that values inclusive cultures and promotes diversity by ensuring a strong sense of belonging for LSST students. One way of doing this is by hosting cultural days.’

Embracing the theme of cultural appreciation, LSST students and staff alike adorned themselves in attire reflective of their diverse backgrounds, transforming the campus into a kaleidoscope of colours and traditions. From vibrant pan-Asian saris to traditional African garments, each outfit told a story, symbolising the rich tapestry of cultures that define LSST’s community. 

Led by the indomitable spirit of Lushea Taylor, LSST Birmingham’s Student Experience Officer, and supported by enthusiastic volunteers, the event unfolded seamlessly, with a plethora of activities designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. Lecturers took to the stage to share personal anecdotes and insights into their respective cultural heritages, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and curiosity. 

For Lynnette Douglas, LSST Birmingham’s Student Support Lead, Cultural Day epitomised the LSST’s ethos of inclusivity and mutual respect. ‘Our diverse community is our greatest strength,’ she remarked, ‘and events like Cultural Day allow us to celebrate the unique backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to the table.’ 

 

‘We always need to ask how are we doing at building a culture where students feel empowered, represented and have a strong sense of psychological safety,’ added James Platt, LSST’s Employability and Careers Manager. 

Indeed, as students and staff engaged in spirited discussions and exchanged cultural traditions, it became evident that LSST’s commitment to diversity extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.  

Charlie Tennant, LSST’s Vice Principal, added: ‘For many, LSST’s Cultural Day served as a reminder of the transformative power of cultural exchange, offering new perspectives and forging lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries.’ 

As the festivities drew to a close, LSST Birmingham glowed with the warmth of community spirit, a testament to the unwavering dedication of LSST to creating an inclusive environment where all are welcome regardless of their background. And, in the closing words of Lushea, ‘During Cultural Day, we celebrate not just our differences, but the common humanity that unites us all.’ 

 

For any questions or comments please contact the author, Kunal Chan Mehta, via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac. 

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