Equality & Diversity

Preventing discrimination and promoting diversity are central to the values and mission of the public service. The University of Montpellier is therefore committed to gender equality and to combating discrimination based on disability, racism, anti-Semitism, and sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gender Equality

The action plan to promote gender equality reaches its peak in March (see “Donner des Elles à l’UM”), but throughout the year, the Gender Equality Office within the Workplace Quality Department organizes events, workshops, and meetings to examine women’s professional lives and help energize them.

All of these initiatives, aimed at fostering a culture of equality, are part of broader action plans to promote gender equality in the workplace. The new plan (2023–2025) includes thirty new actions to be implemented.

Contacts: Gender Equality Officer: Agnès Fichard-Carroll – Gender Equality Office

“Giving the Spotlight to Women at UM / A Month of Events Around International Women’s Day”

Every March, with its exhibitions, debates, lectures, workshops, films, and performances, invites us to reflect on the status of women at the university and in society.

Training Program: “Dare to Dream! Women in Higher Education and Research ®”

For over 10 years, the university has been running the specialized program “Oser! L’ESR au féminin ®” (formerly “Springboard®”) to help female faculty members, researchers, and administrative staff better navigate their careers, build self-confidence, and learn how to promote themselves and communicate more effectively. The workshops take place over three in-person days, interspersed with two online webinars… with some work to be done between sessions.

Sexual Harassment and Sexist Behavior in Higher Education

Sexual harassment is a form of violence that affects women in particular and perpetuates gender inequality. Since the law of August 6, 2012, the penalties for this offense, as defined in Article 222-33 of the Penal Code, have been strengthened. However, public awareness of the persistence of such incidents has remained too limited for the condemnation enshrined in the Penal Code to be reflected in widespread condemnation by everyone—in social life, in the workplace, or in higher education and research institutions.

To report gender-based or sexual violence:

• The Special Advisor for gender equality at the university
• The Head of the Workplace Quality of Life Department

Indicators on gender equality

Indicators on gender equality and measures implemented to reduce gender inequalities in higher education institutions – Academic Year 2024–2025.

Combating LGBT+phobia

48% of young LGBT+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) in France aged 18–24 have been victims of harassment in the past five years, and 92% have witnessed negative comments or behavior at school directed at a classmate perceived as LGBT. Discriminatory behavior is also particularly prevalent in the workplace.

About 600 staff members at the University of Montpellier responded to a survey conducted by the association L’Autre Cercle. 75% of respondents believe it is necessary to organize awareness-raising events.

To combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in 2016, the University of Montpellier became the first French university to sign the charter of the association L’Autre Cercle, which aims to promote the inclusion of LGBT+ people in the workplace. Then, in 2022, it continued its commitment by signing a new version of this charter, which now includes students.

As part of this commitment, every year the University of Montpellier organizes a week dedicated to combating LGBT+phobia and participates in the Montpellier Pride Parade.

• Workplace Quality of Life Department / Campus Life Division – Phone: 04 67 14 90 16 / Email
• LGBT+ Phobia Awareness Week

Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Secularism

In late March, as part of National Education and Action Week Against Racism and Anti-Semitism, various initiatives highlight the UM’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism and racial discrimination and promote the values upon which the Republic is founded: liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The University of Marseille has appointed a secularism liaison officer whose role is to ensure compliance with the principle of secularism within the university and to coordinate the various initiatives undertaken in this regard.

• Guide to Secularism in Higher Education

Commitment to People with Disabilities

Disability is everyone’s concern… With this in mind, the University of Montpellier has developed a policy outlined in its disability master plan, which is based on the principle of including people with disabilities in the university community.

In addition to the accommodations required by law, the University of Montpellier offers concrete and specific initiatives regarding recruitment, support, adjustments to coursework and exams, employment retention, and the participation of students and staff with disabilities in both on-campus and off-campus activities. These initiatives are designed to help individuals with disabilities live more fully with their condition and feel empowered to thrive as students or staff members.