Monday 23-11-2020 - 09:05

Bournemouth & Poole College is pleased to announce the launch of the national anti-homophobia campaign ‘Ask for Clive’.

Launching across its sites at North Road and Fulcrum in Poole and Lansdowne in Bournemouth, the campaign shows solidarity against discrimination in the fight against homophobia and transphobia.

The College has a proud record of working with the LGBT+ community through initiatives such as the Space Youth Project (spaceyouthproject.co.uk) and the LGB&T Dorset Equality Network (lgbtdorsetequality.network), work which was initiated through the Olympics Legacy anti-homophobia in sport project and whose artwork and exhibition pull up panels were created by the College’s Art and Design students. 

‘Ask for Clive’ takes and shows evidence of the College’s commitment to LGBT+ inclusion as part of its broader stand against all forms of prejudice, including racism and dis-phobia. Going further than simply complying with legal obligations, the College celebrates diversity and inclusion in the learning environment and supports the good mental health and wellbeing of its staff and students.

Over the coming weeks, information about ‘Ask for Clive’ will be provided to students. Posters and badges will also be displayed across all of its sites, reminding people of the College’s position on intolerance and prejudice and how incidents can be reported discreetly and safely.

Diane Grannell, Principal and CEO of Bournemouth & Poole College said: “We are really pleased to be launching this national campaign at our College. ‘Ask for Clive’ will provide assurance to all of our students and staff that intolerance and prejudice have no place at our College, and gives a mechanism to report any anti-LGBTQ+ incidents.

“We thank the LGB&T Dorset Equality Network for both introducing ‘Ask for Clive’ and providing support to us on its delivery. Such independent and direct LGBTQ+ community support provides an all-important affirmation of our commitment against prejudice.”

Zachary Rumble, Vice President for Equality and Welfare for the College’s Students’ Union (BPCSU) said: “We are really happy the College is launching this campaign. Equality is important across the college and especially to us in the Students’ Union. We’re really looking forward to seeing what this partnership brings.”

Alan Mercel-Sanca, Initiator and Lead Officer at LGB&T Dorset Equality Network said: “It was really good to be at the Lansdowne site for the launch of the ‘Ask for Clive’ initiative. I am really proud of the College for the enthusiasm it has shown to back and comprehensively implement ‘Ask for Clive’ across its sites.

"‘Ask for Clive’ is unique and takes the College’s commitment to equality and anti-discrimination to a whole new level. It shows support and respect concerning its diverse communities (LGBT+, ethnicities, global cultures, disabilities) in terms of safety and being welcoming! 

"Bournemouth & Poole College joining ‘Ask for Clive’ sends out a very clear message that on its premises anti-LGBT+ 'banter' and other forms of prejudice are not welcome and only harm the teaching and learning environment. The LGB&T Dorset Equality Network, broader LGBT+ community and LGBT+ 'allies' salute the College's participation in the ‘Ask for Clive’ campaign initiative.”