Equality is Multifaceted and Ever-Changing

ARTICLE Katla Ársælsdóttir

TRANSLATION Brynjarr Þór Eyjólfsson

PHOTO Helga Lind Mar

Bryndís Ólafsdóttir is a 24-year-old recent anthropology graduate and member of the Student Council’s Equal Rights Committee. A journalist from the Student Paper questioned Bryndís thoroughly about the committee’s role and accomplishments.

The Student Council’s Equal Rights Committee works hard to protect equality at the University of Iceland and aims to make the school an open and secure place for each and every one of us.

Asked about the Equal Rights Committee’s major victories over the past few years, Bryndís says she is very pleased to see that accessibility has been in the foreground: “Students who apply to study at the university make up a large and varied group, and the educational environment needs to be satisfactory for all these groups. It is clear that students want to improve our university. According to the Student Council’s yearly report from the operating year 2012-2013, the committee placed great emphasis on installing guiding lines for the blind on campus, and discussion on improved accessibility for blind and visually impaired students at the university had been thoroughly discussed that year as well as the previous year. It is satisfying to look back at the campaign to improve the student experience and see that these matters are taken into consideration. Today, at the university, there are continuous raised guiding lines all over campus,” says Bryndís.

When discussing the state of equality issues, she says it’s important to realise that equality is not a single goal. Equality is, for the most part, a subjective concept and needs to be understood as such. “Despite the fact that it is easily possible to find many themes in our search, we may see that these themes are multifaceted and require an adjustment with society each time,” she says.

Upon being asked about where she thinks Icelandic society stands on equality issues, Bryndís thinks that in general people are doing excellently. “Here in Iceland, most people are able to study, work, and access public health care. Accessibility for elections is, to my knowledge, good, and Icelandic society has, over the years, welcomed foreign people who want to settle down here,” she says. Bryndís adds that though she thinks we are doing excellently when it comes to these major themes, we nevertheless still need to adjust our behaviour and values to society as it develops. In so doing, we can still say that we are performing well when it comes to equality.

“In recent times, we’ve seen examples that show that things could be significantly improved when it comes to asylum seekers and those seeking international protection. At the end of September, there were plans to deport a family of six that had been living here for two years while their case was being processed. Despite the fact that the authorities considered themselves to be following the law, the Icelandic nation simply didn’t want to hear it and started protesting in front of Parliament in support of the family. It was obvious that the nation wanted to offer the family protection despite the authorities’ decision. This was clear in my eyes. The nation called for updated legislation, since the current legislation is based on outdated values. It’s important that we let ourselves be heard as society develops faster than regulations, and it is our united voice that shapes the values of equality that we want to follow,” says Bryndís.

Concerning the university’s stance on equality issues, Bryndís thinks that the university offers students relevant and rewarding opportunities, but on the same token, equality rights lie in the overall management of students. “Though accessibility for students with disabilites is generally good on campus, it is known that not every building has the capacity, for example, to offer elevators or wheelchair access. But here it’s worth mentioning that newer buildings such as Veröld are excellent models,” she says. At the same time, Bryndís points out that although the university takes good care of foreign students, it is important to offer them satisfactory support and provide them with useful tools such as dictionaries. Furthermore, Bryndís adds that it is important to be critical and to accept changes with open arms. “In order to maintain equality, it is important that we support the inner pillars of the institution so that we actually offer transparent and equal services,” she says.

When asked what she thinks stands most in the way of equality issues getting through, Bryndís says that equality issues often call for systemic change, which can seem overwhelming. When it comes to introducing improved work practices, it is important to create a realistic plan and try not to take on too much all at once. Small changes can ultimately upend the systems, and many hands make light work.

There are many things ahead for the committee. In the next two weeks, they will be introducing some events. Despite the fact that everything is being done differently this year, Bryndís says that it is still possible to look forward to Equality Days this year and it will be done in a fun way. We encourage everyone to stay tuned on that!

Bryndís was asked what equality issues she would like to see worked on at the university. She says she wants to work toward improving the experience of foreign students and those who speak Icelandic as a second language. She adds that the committee wants to take care that accessibility issues remain a priority despite current access limitations. “We want to celebrate diversity and introduce updated gender registration options. We are thrilled with the Student Council’s campaign for online exams this year,” says Bryndís.

In closing, Bryndís wishes to bring up the fact that equality is not simply one phenomenon, but rather something multifaceted and ever-changing. “In order for us to do our best and create a society built on equality, we must open a discussion about equality issues. It is fundamental that we can propose questions and speculations and also accept criticism when we are learning about equality and other issues. It is always possible to learn, and it is always possible to ask. We just need to encourage an open and transparent society,” she says.

She also emphasises the importance of being cautious and wearing masks!