From May 11 to 16, 2025, the historic city of Siena, Italy, became a hub of dialogue, learning, and transformation during a Summer School, organised by the PrEcIOUS project – ‘Promoting pluralistic education to combat invisible discrimination in European universities’. Among the participants was Julia Michcik, representing the STRIDE team from Jagiellonian University in Poland.
This vibrant event brought together students from Poland, Italy, Lithuania, and Greece, creating a dynamic space for cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning. Through a series of workshops, debates, and creative activities, participants explored the often-unseen forms of discrimination that persist within higher education—particularly those impacting LGBTQ+ communities.
A Week of Action and Insight
Hosted by the University of Siena, and joined by students from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), Klaipeda University (Lithuania), and Jagiellonian University (Poland), the Summer School was a showcase of non-formal education in action. Participants explored the often overlooked but deeply embedded forms of discrimination that can occur within higher education institutions, particularly those affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities, the Summer School created a space for open dialogue and collective thinking about how to foster more inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Some of the standout initiatives included:
- A mental health-focused Instagram campaign to raise awareness and share resources
- Distribution of inclusive posters and brochures in schools
- Implementation of gender-neutral bathrooms and inclusive language in university communications
- Introduction of alias student ID cards and LGBTQIA+ Awareness Weeks
- These weren’t just theoretical exercises—they were actionable strategies rooted in the lived realities of students across Europe. The final presentations reflected a week of deep reflection, shared stories, and collective visioning.
STRIDE and PrEcIOUS: A Shared Commitment
The themes of the Summer School closely align with the goals of STRIDE, which focuses on addressing various forms of inequality in education and promoting systemic reforms. The intersection of both projects highlights the urgent need to recognise and challenge invisible barriers in academia, whether they relate to gender, sexual orientation, or other dimensions of identity. This shared commitment to equity and inclusion across borders strengthens the impact of both initiatives and helps building more sensitive educational communities.
As the Summer School concluded, one message rang clear: meaningful change in higher education starts with empowered students and institutions willing to challenge the status quo. STRIDE is proud to be part of this movement, working alongside partners across Europe to build more equitable, inclusive, and responsive educational communities.
