Avtar Singh Matharu

I am the current Chair of Staff Racial Equality Forum (SREF) and its Steering Group. SREF provides opportunities for peer networking, support and development among Black, Asian and ethnic minority staff and the promotion of University values around inclusiveness.

With effect from 1 October 2021, I will be the first turban wearing Sikh Professor in the history of the University.  My faith, values and beliefs are important to me.  I could have easily chosen to ‘fit with the norm’ and ditch my heritage and culture.  I arrived in the UK aged 6 as a first generation immigrant and have 50 years of positive and negative lived experiences on race and racism that I would like to share with staff, students and the general public through the activities of the RECG.  Through such conversations and active listening comes acknowledgement and change.  I see the RECG as the vehicle for positive change that provides an opportunity for previously hidden or unseen talent an opportunity to flourish free from all forms of bias.  My aspirations for an anti-racist University of York are where staff, students and external visitors live, work and socialise without fear, prejudice or unnecessary comprise evidenced by policies, practices and procedures that are supportive of their needs.  The University is seen as a place for all, not just a few.