The Open University at 50: standing with Pride

In its fiftieth year, The Open University’s support of Pride events taking place across the UK and Ireland has even more resonance.

June also marks fifty years since the Stonewall riots in 1969, one of the most important historic events leading to the gay liberation movement and to the first Pride marches a year later.

The OU is fiercely proud of its social mission in opening education for all and the role in promoting and driving inclusivity and diversity. For the month of June, to celebrate our birthday and to mark and commemorate the Stonewall riots anniversary, the OU 50 logo will incorporate the Pride rainbow colours. 

National Director, John D'Arcy said:

“We’re delighted to participate in Belfast Pride and Dublin Pride again in 2019. I’m looking forward to walking with our students and staff in Belfast and Dublin."

Ian Fribbance, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University said:

“The OU was founded fifty years ago to ensure everyone, irrespective of circumstances, had the opportunity to access higher education. As both an employer and educator, fifty years on diversity and inclusivity remain at the heart of our mission and are values we cherish and promote.

“It’s therefore fitting and right that in our fiftieth year we mark so visibly such an important and historic anniversary and show to the world our strong support for our LGBTQ+ community of students and staff across the four UK nations and beyond.”

The Open University will be attending Pride events in:

Edinburgh Pride - Sat 22 June - http://prideedinburgh.org.uk/

Dublin Pride - Sat 29 June - http://dublinpride.ie/

Belfast Pride - Sat 3 August - http://www.belfastpride.com/

Pride Cymru - Sat 24 August - https://www.pridecymru.com/

Manchester - Sat 24 August (tbc) - https://www.manchesterpride.com/

Milton Keynes - Sat 14 Sept (tbc) - http://pridemk.org.uk/