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LGBTQIA+ staff network

The School of Law has been playing a key role in the running and advancement of the LGBTQIA+ network, launched in 2014 and currently led by Dr Ruvi Ziegler and Tahlia-Rose Virdee. The network aims to represent and support individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and/or other sexual and gender identities, such as asexual, non-binary, intersex or any others. This includes LGBTQIA+ people with multiple identities and covers all staff and doctoral and research students based anywhere in the UK or Malaysia.

Over the years, the network has curated various initiatives to raise awareness around the protection of rights for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. More recently, in February 2024, it ran an unprecedented history month with dozens of events, raising its public profile.

The network's activities contribute to Reading's ambition to embed equality and diversity across the University, including at the School of Law, and we work closely with the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisor. We are fully supported by Professor Parveen Yaqoob who is the University Executive Board's Champion for sexual orientation and gender identity.

Religious and spiritual care

In the School of Law, we have a diverse group of staff from various global locations and diverse religious backgrounds. Ensuring representation of all faiths within the teaching team is imperative, catering to the diverse, multi-faith student body. This approach aims to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels acknowledged and embraced.

Recognising the influential role of religion in society, a new module was incorporated last year to probe the intersection between religion and legal principles. This comprehensive module delves into a range of pertinent themes:

  • the impact of Shari'a Law on the rights of Muslim women in divorce proceedings
  • the influence of the Roman Catholic Church on medical ethics and procedures
  • the influence of religious beliefs on pertinent societal topics, such as sexual orientation.

Please, contact Sharon Sinclair-Graham for more information.

Gender equality

The School of Law is dedicated to fostering a robust multicultural, diverse, and gender-friendly environment, where women hold the majority of senior positions. Our teaching thoroughly addresses gender equality and gender-related topics in different modules offered throughout the entire course of study.

  • English Legal System and Skills allows students to delve into gender-related subjects including property ownership, domestic abuse, and gender equality.
  • Law and Society demands active engagement from students as they tackle gender-related topics through debate and assessment .
  • Shari'a Law and English Civil Law invites students to explore religion and law, analysing the treatment of women in Islamic marriage and the available remedies.
  • Gender and Law covers a broad spectrum of subjects to ensure our curriculum includes crucial gender topics.

Please, contact Sharon Sinclair Graham for more information.

Parent-carer support group

Established in 2016, this informal support group is open to all students (from undergraduate to doctoral and researcher) and staff in the School of Law. Organised by Professor Amanda Millmore (School Director of Academic Tutoring), the group offers students who are parents or have caring responsibility to network and build friendships with others in a similar situation to theirs. These informal meetings over coffee and cake also provide an easy and direct route to raise any issues or discuss support needs with the staff.

Our group also includes many students who can also join the wider University of Reading's Mature Students' Network.