ARTICLES
The University of Tokyo launches IncluDE: A new center for inclusion, diversity and equity
April 12, 2024
On April 1, 2024, the University of Tokyo proudly announced the establishment of the Center for Coproduction of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IncluDE). This new center marks a significant step forward in the university’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable campus environment.
Professor Takane Ito, the newly appointed Director of IncluDE, expressed the center’s foundational belief in the power of “coproduction.”
“We believe that your voices, ideas and dreams are not just welcomed but essential. Our goal is to ensure that every member of our community actively participates in shaping the future of our campus and beyond,” said Ito.
IncluDE’s motto—“Nothing about us, without us!”—reflects its dedication to inclusivity and collaborative decision-making. The center aims to foster an environment where all individuals have a say in the matters that affect them.
The University of Tokyo has a history of supporting diversity and inclusion, with initiatives centered around the Disability Services Office and the Office for Gender Equality, which were established in 2002 and 2006, respectively. The university also adopted the University of Tokyo Statement on Diversity & Inclusion in 2022 and established guidelines for students on diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity in 2023.
Bringing those two offices together, IncluDE is a major stride toward promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities more comprehensively as well as enhancing research in relevant fields. The center will focus on connecting various activities and research initiatives based on the challenges faced by those in need. It will also prioritize promoting gender equality and accessibility to ensure that academic knowledge coproduced at IncluDE contributes to creating a society where no one is left behind.
With the following five goals, the DEI Implementation Division of IncluDE works towards a better campus environment and provides support with an integrative administrative structure, while the DEI Research Division brings together DEI-related researchers from faculties throughout the university. These two divisions are connected through the Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies to create a virtuous cycle of synergy.
Five goals of IncluDE
・Coproduce research results with persons with disability and others in need
・Achieve a virtuous cycle of synergy between research and practice
・Achieve gender equity
・Provide a seamless support system that covers every stage of life
・Respond to the needs of contemporary intersectionality
IncluDE also provides comprehensive DEI education and training for faculty, staff and students. This initiative aims to sharpen the university community’s sensitivity towards human rights and cultivate empathy in them as global citizens who proactively pursue the realization of DEI in society.
For more information about IncluDE and its initiatives, please visit our website: https://include.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/
For further inquiries, contact the Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies at ge-office.ide@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Professor Takane Ito, the newly appointed Director of IncluDE, expressed the center’s foundational belief in the power of “coproduction.”
“We believe that your voices, ideas and dreams are not just welcomed but essential. Our goal is to ensure that every member of our community actively participates in shaping the future of our campus and beyond,” said Ito.
IncluDE’s motto—“Nothing about us, without us!”—reflects its dedication to inclusivity and collaborative decision-making. The center aims to foster an environment where all individuals have a say in the matters that affect them.
The University of Tokyo has a history of supporting diversity and inclusion, with initiatives centered around the Disability Services Office and the Office for Gender Equality, which were established in 2002 and 2006, respectively. The university also adopted the University of Tokyo Statement on Diversity & Inclusion in 2022 and established guidelines for students on diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity in 2023.
Bringing those two offices together, IncluDE is a major stride toward promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities more comprehensively as well as enhancing research in relevant fields. The center will focus on connecting various activities and research initiatives based on the challenges faced by those in need. It will also prioritize promoting gender equality and accessibility to ensure that academic knowledge coproduced at IncluDE contributes to creating a society where no one is left behind.
With the following five goals, the DEI Implementation Division of IncluDE works towards a better campus environment and provides support with an integrative administrative structure, while the DEI Research Division brings together DEI-related researchers from faculties throughout the university. These two divisions are connected through the Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies to create a virtuous cycle of synergy.
Five goals of IncluDE
・Coproduce research results with persons with disability and others in need
・Achieve a virtuous cycle of synergy between research and practice
・Achieve gender equity
・Provide a seamless support system that covers every stage of life
・Respond to the needs of contemporary intersectionality
IncluDE also provides comprehensive DEI education and training for faculty, staff and students. This initiative aims to sharpen the university community’s sensitivity towards human rights and cultivate empathy in them as global citizens who proactively pursue the realization of DEI in society.
For more information about IncluDE and its initiatives, please visit our website: https://include.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/
For further inquiries, contact the Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies at ge-office.ide@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp
