VinUniversity Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

For Vietnamese version, please access this link.

1. Policy Statement

VinUniversity is a private, not-for-profit university in Hanoi, Vietnam, committed to cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and respectful learning and working environment.

The University values diversity in all forms and ensures that no member of the community – student, faculty, or staff – is discriminated, harassed, or bullied. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to VinUniversity’s mission of excellence in education, research, and service.

This policy applies to all members of the VinUniversity community, including employees, students, contractors, partners, and visitors, in all programs and activities, ensuring an environment free from discrimination where every member can fully participate and reach their potential.

2. Purpose

This policy establishes VinUniversity’s principles and expectations for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas – governance, recruitment, admissions, learning, research, community engagement, and operations.

3. Protected Characteristics

VinUniversity explicitly prohibits discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment on the grounds of:
Age, Disability, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, Marriage, Pregnancy and Maternity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

4. Policy Principles

• Diversity: The University values the presence and contribution of individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Equity: Policies, systems, and decisions are designed to ensure fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all.
• Inclusion: Every member is respected, supported, and empowered to contribute fully to the University community.
• Accountability: Leaders, faculty, and staff share responsibility for embedding DEI principles in daily practices and institutional decision-making.

5. Implementation

VinUniversity will integrate DEI principles across all major policy areas, guided by this policy and through:

• Inclusive recruitment and promotion practices
• Equitable admissions processes
• Accessible teaching and learning environments
• Anti-discrimination, harassment and bullying prevention
• Regular monitoring, reporting, and improvement

6. Roles and Responsibilities

7. Governance and Review

The Legal Office, in collaboration with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and the DEI Taskforce is responsible for implementation and annual review of this policy. Feedback will be incorporated through community consultation.

8. Reporting and Non-Compliance

• VinUniversity provides accessible, confidential reporting channels for any violations of this policy, including discrimination, harassment, bullying, or failure to uphold DEI standards.
• VinUniversity strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, harassment, or policy violations. Individuals who report concerns will be protected from educational or employment disadvantages, including but not limited to adverse academic decisions, termination, demotion, or other forms of reprisal.
• Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the University’s codes of conduct, ensuring due process and support for all parties involved.

9. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy and related policy documents, the following definitions apply:

• Belonging means a sense of being accepted, valued, and connected within a community or environment.
• Bullying means repeated and intentional aggressive behavior directed at an individual or group, involving a real or perceived power imbalance, that causes physical, psychological, or emotional harm. It can be physical, verbal, or relational (e.g., exclusion or spreading rumors).
• Disability means a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder a person’s full and effective participation in university life on an equal basis with others.
• Discrimination means any unfair or unequal treatment of an individual or group based on a protected characteristic. It may occur as an isolated incident or as part of a pattern of behavior and can include harassment or abuse of authority.
• Diversity means the presence and recognition of individual differences in identity, background, and perspective, including but not limited to gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, ability, religion, belief, socioeconomic background, and life experience.
• Equity means fairness and justice in access, opportunity, and outcomes, achieved by recognizing and addressing systemic barriers, especially for underrepresented or marginalized groups.
• Harassment means any unwelcome conduct, verbal or physical, that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
• Inclusion means the active, intentional, and ongoing effort to ensure that every individual feels welcomed, respected, supported, and able to fully participate in all aspects of university life.
• Retaliation means any adverse action taken against a person for reporting misconduct, discrimination, or harassment, or for participating in a related investigation in good faith.

Appendix A: Standard DEI Clauses for Policy Integration