The University of London was founded upon the principles of equality.  Established to provide education on the basis of merit and without regard to race, creed or political belief, it was the first university in the United Kingdom to admit women to its degrees.

Our commitment to this tradition of equality continues today as we seek to observe the rights and respect the dignity of staff, students, visitors and others with whom the University has contact, and to create a positive, inclusive and diverse working, learning and social environment, free from unfair discrimination, prejudice, intimidation and all forms of harassment.

The policy of the central University is that in all its dealings with actual or potential students, staff, those to whom it seeks to offer a service, or those from whom it seeks to require a service, the primary consideration should be that the individual/organisation meets or is likely to meet the requirements of the programme, course, post, contract or service agreement.   Such assessments must be made on merit and judged by reference to the skills, abilities, qualifications, aptitude and potential of the individual/organisation.

On this basis, the University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that no actual or potential student, employee, or other contact or visitor will suffer unfair discrimination on the basis of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, caring responsibilities, age, social origins, political opinion or association, trade union membership and activities, religious or similar philosophical beliefs, or other beliefs/lawful preferences privately held on any matter. 

The University has published a detailed Equal Opportunities Policy  [PDF 9 pgs, 113KB].