Mexican university launches National Diversity Laboratory

A National Diversity Laboratory has been launched by the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

The goal, explained researcher Lucía Raphael, is specifically to take a stand against “the hardening of extreme right positions”, which view “the other as an enemy” and have led to a resurgence of xenophobia and homophobia.

The laboratory will carry out research – in collaboration with the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences; the Center for Research and Teaching Economics; the National Council for Preventing Discrimination; and other Mexican universities – designed to celebrate the richness of Mexico's population and to promote respect and the free development of different communities.

In addition, the laboratory will reach out to diverse groups, provide a space for the expression of their artistic traditions and, from next year, host a clinic offering legal, psychological and social work support to those who need it. This will also carry out research in areas such as femicide, abortion and the rights of the elderly.

matthew.reisz@timeshighereducation.com