Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

UL’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion

The University of Latvia creates a study, work and research environment in which everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in university life. At UL, diversity, equity and inclusion mean respectful treatment, equal opportunities, the prevention of discrimination and the reduction of barriers, taking into account people’s different circumstances and needs.

The University of Latvia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy establishes a unified institutional framework for implementing these principles. It applies to the entire UL community and to other persons participating in activities organised by or associated with UL.

UL does not tolerate direct or indirect discrimination, sexual harassment, violence, victimisation, workplace bullying, abuse of managerial authority, hate speech, degrading treatment or other conduct that violates a person’s dignity in physical or digital environments.

Diversity: the presence and recognition of different identities, experiences and perspectives within the academic community.

Equity: the provision of fair opportunities and resources, recognising that people’s starting points and needs may differ.

Inclusion: the creation of a safe, respectful and open environment in which everyone can participate fully and feel that they belong.

Accessibility: the accessibility of physical, digital, information, communication and procedural environments. 

Reasonable accommodation: necessary and appropriate measures that do not impose a disproportionate burden in a particular situation and enable a person to participate fully.

Equal treatment and a safe environment

UL assesses students, staff and other persons involved in UL activities on the basis of competence, performance, academic and professional ethics, and development potential, without discrimination or other unjustified differential treatment. 

Discrimination and conduct that violates a person’s dignity are prohibited regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, race, skin colour, ethnic or social origin, language, neurodiversity, disability, health status, pregnancy or the postnatal period, age, religion or belief, political or other opinion, family status, socioeconomic circumstances or other personal circumstances. 

UL protects academic freedom, freedom of research, freedom of study and freedom of expression. Critical and reasoned academic discussion does not in itself constitute a breach of the Policy, provided that it complies with applicable legislation, the principles of academic ethics and the requirements of respectful communication.

DEI in the study and research environment

UL promotes:

• equal opportunities in studies, research and academic development;
• accessible physical, digital, information and communication environments;
• reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and others with substantiated support or accessibility needs;
• the development of inclusive teaching practices, accessible learning materials and flexible approaches to assessment;
• an academic culture that strengthens mutual respect, psychological well-being, a sense of belonging and professional development.

The DEI Action Plan provides for a unified procedure for requesting and providing reasonable accommodation for students and staff. Until this procedure is introduced, individual cases are addressed within the remit of the relevant existing UL units.

Support and individual accommodation

For students

If you need support or advice concerning the study process, accessibility or individual needs, please contact UL Student Services at studentu.serviss@lu.lv .

By 2027, the DEI Action Plan provides for the establishment of a unified accessibility contact function and the approval of a reasonable accommodation procedure for students.

For staff

If you need advice concerning adjustments to your work or workplace, please contact your line manager or the UL Human Resources Department at pd@lu.lv .

By 2027, the DEI Action Plan provides for the approval of a unified reasonable accommodation procedure for staff.

DEI in the workplace

As an employer, UL promotes:

• diversity and balance at all levels of the organisation
• non-discriminatory recruitment, appraisal and career development
• work–life balance, including flexible working arrangements where compatible with the duties concerned
• consideration of caring responsibilities, health conditions and accessibility needs
• the development of inclusive leadership and conflict-resolution skills

The DEI Action Plan provides for annual gender pay analysis, the introduction of gender-balance monitoring, and improvements to recruitment and academic career procedures.

Gender equality

Gender equality forms part of UL’s overall DEI approach. UL promotes equal opportunities regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression in studies, research, employment, career development and university governance.

The DEI Action Plan provides for monitoring gender representation among students and staff, in leadership and decision-making bodies, and among research project leaders. It also provides for analysis of the gender pay gap and measures to address unjustified disparities.

Psychological support

Free psychological counselling is available to UL students and staff for difficulties related to studies or work, personal and emotional concerns, and other situations in which psychological support is needed. To make an appointment, write to psihologs@lu.lv.

Psychological support

The DEI Action Plan provides for maintaining access to this service and monitoring demand and waiting times. The target set in the Plan is to offer the first consultation no later than 14 calendar days after a request is received.

Career and mentoring support

The UL Career Centre supports prospective students, current students, graduates and staff in matters relating to study and career choices, job seeking and professional development. The Career Centre offers individual consultations, coaching, seminars and other career-development activities. 

• email: karjera@lu.lv
• telephone: +371 67034714 

UL Career Centre

The UL Mentoring Programme provides peer support to first-year students, helping them navigate the study process and the university environment.

UL Mentoring Programme

Reporting concerns and submitting complaints

If you have experienced discrimination, harassment, violence, workplace bullying, abuse of managerial authority, unethical conduct or another possible violation, use the UL reporting channel most appropriate to the situation. 

Application or complaint

An application concerning UL activities, the study process, services, infrastructure or possible unacceptable conduct may be submitted: 

• electronically using the UL application form
• by email to lu@lu.lv
• through the official e-address system
• in person or by post to Raiņa bulvāris 19, Riga, LV-1586, Latvia
• anonymously using the suggestions and complaints box in the ground-floor foyer at Raiņa bulvāris 19

Submit a suggestion, application or complaint

Academic ethics

Possible breaches of the UL Code of Academic Ethics may be referred to the UL Academic Ethics Committee. Contact: etika@lu.lv .

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing applies where a person has obtained information, in connection with the performance of work duties or the establishment of a legal relationship, about a possible violation that may harm the public interest. A report may be submitted to trauksme@lu.lv or by the other means listed on the UL whistleblowing webpage. 

Whistleblowing at UL

Physical and digital accessibility

UL is developing the accessibility of its physical, digital, information and communication environments. Information about building accessibility is published on the UL website and updated in line with assessments and improvements. In the digital environment, UL plans to develop a standard based on WCAG 2.2 Level AA requirements.

DEI documents and governance

University of Latvia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

University of Latvia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

The Policy was approved by Decision No. 1-48/18 of the UL Council on 26 May 2026. It sets out UL’s DEI objectives, principles, areas of action, responsibilities and basic monitoring arrangements. 

University of Latvia DEI Action Plan 2026–2029

The Action Plan is the implementation document for the Policy. It defines actions under five pillars, the responsible units, deadlines, expected results, indicators and the reporting mechanism. 

DEI governance at UL

UL leadership and the leadership of its academic institutions ensure the strategic implementation, monitoring and development of the Policy. UL institutions integrate DEI principles into their activities, decisions, planning documents, human-resource management, organisation of studies and research processes. 

The University of Latvia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is an advisory body that considers strategic DEI matters, reviews draft policies and action plans, submits proposals and recommendations to UL leadership, and monitors progress in implementing the Policy and Action Plan. The Committee brings together representatives of the UL units and fields involved in DEI implementation and serves as the central cooperation platform for coordinating the Action Plan and assessing its implementation. In October 2026, the Committee unanimously recommended the UL DEI Action Plan for consideration by UL leadership. 

The University of Latvia Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group was established to develop the UL DEI Policy and the proposed Action Plan, thereby creating a unified DEI governance system. The Working Group collected proposals from UL units and community representatives, refined the areas of action, responsibilities, deadlines and expected results, and ensured that the documents were linked to studies, research, human-resource management, infrastructure and university governance. Organisational and technical support for the Working Group’s meetings is provided by the UL Head of Sustainable Development. 

Following the development of the Policy and Action Plan, the Committee provides advisory oversight and recommendations, while the UL Head of Sustainable Development ensures the operational coordination of the DEI Action Plan and cooperation among the responsible units. The UL units identified in the Action Plan are responsible for implementing the relevant measures. 

The Action Plan provides for quarterly status updates, an annual progress report, a mid-term review and publicly available aggregated summaries of results. The first annual progress report is planned by 31 March 2028.

Contacts