ISO emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education. An inclusive learning environment is unfortunately not always a given: students still experience discrimination and exclusion, which negatively affects their well-being, (social) safety, and studentsucces. This hinders not only students’ personal development, but also impact the quality of education as a whole: an open and inclusive culture fosters debate, exchange of ideas, and critical thinking. Students learn more from one another when different perspectives are incorporated into their education. 

To ensure that every student can fully develop during their studies and achieve the greatest possible studentsuccess, it is crucial that all students feel at home at their institution and are given equal opportunities. 

ISO therefore advocates for: 

• Creating an inclusive environment in which students feel at home and are able to thrive. Education should be a safe and welcoming base. 

• Embedding diversity and inclusion in the curriculum. This includes diversifying the literature beyond a solely Western perspective, using inclusive language, and training awareness of prejudice and bias. 

• Ensuring representative student participation, so that the voices of all students are heard and taken into account in decision-making.