By: H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – The Minister of Labor, Cllr Cooper W. Kruah, has urged stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that no student should face discrimination based on gender, ethnic origin, disability, cultural background, religion, political affiliation, marital status.
Cllr Kruah made the statement when he launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy of the National Commission on Higher Education on Wednesday, October 30, 2029, at the Elle Johnson Sirleaf ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
“With these policy standards, students at our tertiary institutions, are therefore expected to maximize their learning without any hindrance, whatsoever,” he said. “Engaging in policy development and reform is an effective means of bolstering the impact educational leaders have on those they serve.
“We are therefore elated to know that through this policy, institutions are encouraged to prevent discrimination, enhance fairness, promote equal opportunity, and provide support services for staff, students and other educational stakeholders in our country,” he said.
Minister Kruah said: “In the continuously evolving world of education, policy, and governance are integral components of effective leadership Developing a deep understanding of policy and governance structures, including how they are created and implemented as well as how they impact learning environments and stakeholders is essential for aspiring educational leaders.
Cllr Kruah noted that The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy, a collaborative initiative of the NCHE and USAID, through the TESTS project, actually aims at ensuring a gender-free and inclusive learning environment to induce the acquiring of quality learning objectives by students, and seeks to provide guidance for higher education institutions in Liberia.
“The policy complements NCHE’s reform initiatives to promote quality and excellence in tertiary education across universities and colleges in Liberia. We are therefore elated to know that through this policy, institutions are encouraged to prevent discrimination, enhance fairness, promote equal opportunity, and provide support services for staff, students and other educational stakeholders in our country,” he said.
For her part, the Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah emphasized the importance of cultivating a learning atmosphere that prioritizes diversity and inclusion.
She highlighted that educational institutions should serve as dynamic communities enriched by diverse voices and perspectives, which enhance academic discourse and broaden worldviews.
The DEI Policy outlines essential practices, including staff development in inclusive teaching methods, unbiased instructional assessments, and comprehensive support for students with disabilities.
She noted that the policy will implement stringent measures against gender-based violence and discrimination while advocating for gender equity in hiring and leadership roles.
“This initiative represents a strong commitment to inclusive education in Liberia, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all learners and educators,” she said.
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