M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University's Policy on Ensuring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Preventing Discrimination

1. Introduction

1.1. The Non-Profit Limited Company "M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University" (hereinafter referred to as the University), as an educational and scientific centerof the Northern region of Kazakhstan, contributes to shaping a sustainable future by integrating the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into all areas of its activities.

1.2. The Policy on Ensuring EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) and Preventing Discrimination (hereinafter – the Policy) has been developed in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the University Charter, and the principles of sustainable development. It defines the approaches to creating an inclusive educational and working environment that ensures equal opportunities for all members of the university community, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, social background, religious beliefs, health status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

2. Definitions

2.1. Equality – a condition in which all members of the university community have equal rights and equal access to educational, scientific, and employment opportunities.

2.2. Diversity – the presence within the university of individuals with different personal, social, cultural, and professional characteristics, as well as the recognition and respect of these differences as a value that contributes to the development of the educational and scientific environment.

2.3. Inclusion – a systemic process of engaging all students, employees, and partners in the educational and professional environment, eliminating barriers that limit their participation and success, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, social or economic status.

2.4. Discrimination – any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on gender, race, language, religion, national or social origin, property status, age, health condition, sexual orientation, or other characteristics that results in the violation of rights and freedoms or limits equal access to opportunities.

2.5. Harassment – any unwanted behavior, including sexual, psychological, or other types, expressed verbally, physically, or through electronic communication, that aims to or results in humiliating a person’s dignity or creating a hostile, offensive, or threatening environment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence in any form, violating principles of safety and respect.

2.6. Reasonable accommodation – the introduction of necessary and proportionate adjustments to learning, working, or service conditions aimed at removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all members of the university community, without causing disproportionate or unjustified hardship to the University.

2.7. Ethics Committee – a collegial advisory body of the University established to promote and maintain moral and ethical standards in the activities of faculty, staff, and students, strengthen mutual understanding within the academic community, and prevent and resolve ethical conflicts. The Committee reviews appeals related to ethical conduct, assists in ensuring compliance with professional ethics norms, provides confidential consultations, and issues recommendations to the University administration on improving the moral and psychological climate.

3. Goals and Objectives

3.1. The purpose of this Policy is to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at the University by creating conditions that ensure equal participation, access, and respect for all members of the university community.

3.2. The objectives of the University in implementing EDI principles and preventing discrimination are as follows:

1) ensuring equal access to educational, research, administrative, and other opportunities for all members of the university community;

2) fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, and mutual understanding regardless of social, demographic, cultural, ethnic, or other differences;

3) creating an inclusive physical and digital infrastructure that takes into account the needs of various groups of students and staff;

4) implementing educational and awareness-raising programs aimed at developing inclusive thinking and increasing awareness of human rights;

5) preventing and promptly responding to cases of discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, bias, and unethical behavior;

6) ensuring transparency in recruitment, promotion, and performance evaluation procedures in accordance with the principles of fairness and equality;

7) supporting student and academic initiatives that contribute to strengthening diversity and inclusion within the university environment;

8) cooperating with national and international partners in promoting inclusive practices and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Key Provisions

4.1. The University adheres to a zero-discrimination policy and creates a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment where everyone feels recognized and included in academic and social life. The zero-tolerance policy applies to all forms of harassment, sexual or other forms of violence, as well as any behavior that undermines human dignity or creates a hostile or degrading environment.

4.2. Diversity is regarded as a value that contributes to the enhancement of educational quality and scientific potential.

4.3. The University ensures equal opportunities in access to education, employment, professional development, and participation in governance. Special attention is given to eliminating systemic barriers that hinder the participation of students and staff with disabilities, as well as members of vulnerable groups. The University provides timely support to individuals who experience harassment or psychological pressure, including counseling and adaptation of study or work conditions.

4.4. The University develops an inclusive physical and digital infrastructure and applies the policy of reasonable accommodation, ensuring adaptation of study and work environments, advisory support, and individualized assistance.

4.5. The University integrates EDI principles into the educational process by ensuring that cultural and social diversity of students is reflected and that different learning styles and needs are taken into account. Training sessions, workshops, conferences, and other activities aimed at enhancing the competencies of faculty, staff, and students in the field of equality and inclusion are conducted, including on preventing harassment, respectful communication, and consent principles.

4.6. The University conducts monitoring and evaluation of its efforts in the field of EDI to ensure their effectiveness and introduce necessary improvements.

4.7. The University provides accessible and transparent mechanisms for reporting discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, and violations of EDI principles.

Reports on discrimination or violations of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles are submitted to the Ethics Officer, the Ethics Commission, or the Anti-Corruption Compliance Service with full confidentiality. All reports are reviewed in accordance with established procedures.

4.8. Individuals who violate EDI principles are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the University’s internal regulations.

4.9. The University guarantees protection for individuals who report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence from any form of pressure, retaliation, or persecution.

4.10. The University promotes the participation of representatives from different groups in governance bodies, working groups, and advisory councils, ensuring that every member of the community has a voice.

4.11. The University develops partnerships with external organizations and communities to exchange experience and strengthen the positive impact of equality and inclusion policies beyond the campus.

4.12. The EDI Policy is communicated to all staff and students and is published on the official University website.

4.13. Considering the cultural and ethnic diversity of Northern Kazakhstan, the University sees its mission as strengthening intercultural understanding, maintaining interethnic harmony, and expanding access to higher education for students from rural areas and socially vulnerable groups. Special attention is given to supporting women in science, students with disabilities (with special educational needs), and the development of youth leadership.

5. Responsibility

5.1. Each member of the university community bears personal responsibility for upholding the principles of respect, preventing discrimination, and maintaining an inclusive culture in their professional and academic activities.

5.2. Heads of structural units are responsible for integrating EDI principles into their activities and informing employees about the provisions of this Policy.

5.3. The Sustainable Development Coordination Group ensures the coherence of actions related to the implementation of EDI principles and develops recommendations for improving EDI practices.

5.4. The University’s Board oversees the implementation of the Policy and ensures its integration into key management processes.

5.5. The Anti-Corruption Compliance Service monitors compliance with the Policy in terms of corporate ethics, academic integrity, and proper conduct, as well as supports the development of a culture of respect and non-discrimination within the University.

5.6. Monitoring includes regular analysis of community satisfaction, equality-of-opportunity data, review of reports related to harassment, and evaluation of the effectiveness of support and prevention measures. The results are annually reflected in the University’s Sustainability Report and other public documents.

6. Final Provisions

6.1. This Policy is subject to regular review, taking into account changes in the external environment, international standards, and the University’s priorities. If necessary, amendments and additions may be introduced to enhance its effectiveness.

6.2. This Policy establishes the University’s strategic commitment to implementing the principles of sustainable development, creating favorable conditions for long-term growth, and strengthening the University’s position as a responsible institution that supports environmental, social, and governance initiatives.