The equality, diversity, and inclusion policy of Atılım University reflects a commitment to creating and sustaining a positive, stimulating, and supportive higher education environment for the university staff in terms of an excellent teaching and research environment which encourages university students to improve academically and personally. Atılım University strongly values diversity, equality, and inclusivity among our staff and students. The university intends to create an empowering higher education environment where university staff and students are equally respected and valued personally, where diversity is a richness, and where the university staff and students may achieve their real potential, to benefit from, and enjoy, their involvement in higher education at Atılım University.

Atılım University strives to be recognized as a decent model for bringing about transformational diversity, inclusion, and social mobility through the critical role of leadership in embedding intersectional EDI among foundation universities in Türkiye.  The university commits to providing a sustainable environment that seeks to encourage an open and diverse community that reflects our values and behaviors.  The university respects the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their backgrounds. Atılım University believes that unlawful discrimination, intimidation, or harassment of anyone connected with the University, specifically related to their race, religion or beliefs, age, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or maternity and pregnancy may not be tolerated.

Atılım University desires to be recognized in the higher education ecosystem in Türkiye, as an organization that leads the way in publicly promoting the value of diverse cultures and beliefs that these different experiences make the University a better place to work and study. The university recognizes that equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental approaches to decent management components, and that these principles support the University in achieving its strategic priorities and outcomes regarding social contribution. The university aims to generate and nurture a university culture and environment that adopts moral values based on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Policy Statement for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Atılım University adopts equality, diversity and inclusion as core values for   the policy development in the context of the following objectives:

• Serious prevention and combat against discrimination, harassment, and abuse
• Respect for and celebration of diversity and inter-culturalism
• Enabling university staff and students to succeed regardless of their background
• Identification and eradication of barriers against equality, regardless of personal identifications
• Providing an inclusive environment that stimulates equality, diversity and inclusion

Scope of Statement

The principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion indicate the behavioral rules for staff and students in terms of treating each other, all visitors, contractors, providers, suppliers, and any other persons associated with the functions of Atılım University.

All members of the Atılım University community consider the following approaches:

• Ensuring that the   aims   and   the   values   embodied   in   this   policy statement   are appropriately reflected in all job descriptions
• Investigating whether any groups, including people with “protected characteristics”, have requirements regarding their access to services
• Ensuring that due consideration is given to equality, diversity and inclusion within their sphere of influence
• Promoting an environment where respect is shown to all, and mutual understanding is fostered
• Challenging any actions or behavior which conflicts with the values and principles laid down in this policy
• Ensuring staff and students are informed regarding how to report any instances of discrimination, bullying and harassment without fear of victimization
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion for others and striving to create a safe supportive and welcoming environment
• Challenging   inappropriate   behavior   or   discrimination, and    reporting unacceptable behavior as per the policies and procedures of the University

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Principles

The commitment and action of Atılım University on equality, diversity and inclusion are underpinned by the following principles:

• Education is an undeniable, recognized fundamental right for humanity under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Higher education is equally accessible to all based on merit regardless of background, and all university members are expected to treat others with respect, and consideration of their dignity
• University members collaborate to promote policies, processes, and cultures that reflect the University's commitment on equity, diversity, and inclusion, reflecting the needs of a diverse University community
• The University endeavors to remove obstacles to access, achievement, and progression of all members of the University community with responsibility for contributing to a positive and inclusive culture

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Priorities

The priorities of Atılım University regarding students and staff are to exhibit the following:

• Contain legal rules to provide equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning and work environments for members
• Create institutional policies, procedures, processes, practices, and approaches that are equitable, inclusive, and welcome for various needs
• Establish student and staff capability in the sense of co-creation of inclusive educational and working cultures
• Provide reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of students and staff with disabilities to ensure possible opportunities to meet inherent requirements
• Improve educational access, participation, and success for underrepresented or disadvantaged student groups through initiatives and programs
• Sustain staff with development, training, and career progression opportunities that are inclusive and accessible for special groups
• Establish a preventative and responsive approach to addressing bullying, harassment, or discrimination