Creation of the Equality & Diversity Directorate: a pioneering initiative by Université Côte d’Azur

  • Staff life
Published on February 13, 2026 – Updated on February 13, 2026
Dates

on the February 8, 2026

Diversité
Diversité

Université Côte d’Azur pursues an ambitious policy promoting equality and combating all forms of discrimination. This commitment, which has been reinforced in recent years by the creation of a dedicated vice-presidency, is now taking a major new step forward in favor of equality and diversity.

Established in the summer of 2025, following a vote by the Board of Directors, the Equality & Diversity Department represents an unprecedented step forward in the French academic landscape: it is one of the first departments of its kind in France, reporting directly to the General Services Department (DGS).

This structure reflects a strong commitment to giving greater visibility, clarity, and consistency to Université Côte d'Azur's equality and diversity policy, both in France and internationally.

"Université Côte d'Azur is setting up an Equality & Diversity Department, a first in France. This will provide stronger leadership for an ambitious, clear, and structured policy."

-Véronique Van de Bor, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Social Policy

Its mission

The Equality & Diversity Department implements a cross-functional strategy and meets regulatory obligations around major themes:

  • Promotion of gender equality
  • Combating gender-based and sexual violence
  • Combating racism, anti-Semitism, harassment, and all forms of discrimination

Its actions

Actions promoting gender equality and combating racism and anti-Semitism are structured into dedicated action plans, which are evaluated and renewed every three years.

Management also takes action to prevent and deal with situations of discrimination, harassment, violence, or hate through:

  • training and awareness-raising initiatives,
  • a reporting system accessible to the entire university community (staff and students).

This system ensures that reported situations are listened to, supported, and dealt with in a secure and confidential manner.

Objective

To build an inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and respectful environment for every member of the university community, and to enshrine these commitments at the heart of the Université Côte d'Azur's institutional project.

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