Racial discrimination

Flinders University abhors acts of racism.

The University promotes an environment which is free from any form of illegal discrimination and acts of racism are not condoned within the University.

Flinders University is committed to creating a learning, teaching and working environment that values cultural diversity and which enables all staff and students to achieve their full potential.

Staff and students are asked to promote respect for the diverse cultural and religious values that exist in our University.

What is racism?

What if I experience racist behaviour?

How can I help prevent racist behaviour

Consequences of racism

Further information

Contact

What is racism?

An act of racism is any action involving a distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on colour, descent, religion, national or ethnic origin. Racism has the effect of impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of any right or freedom available within the University.

Commonwealth and state legislation makes racial discrimination unlawful.

Racist behaviour may occur:

Amongst peers - student to student or staff to staff
From staff member to student or supervisor to employee
From student to a staff member or employee to supervisor
To or from a member of the public in the course of university business

Categories of racism

Individual racism
Involves specific acts of racist behaviour by individuals or groups. This can include language or actions of a racist nature which are offensive, degrading, intimidating or embarrassing.

Institutional racism
Describes the way that institutions discriminate directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, through their structures and organisations to support or maintain racism.

Cultural racism
Involves the social production and reproduction of racist beliefs and ideas.

Examples of racial discrimination and harassment

Verbal racist comments made in the course of lectures, classes, meetings or interviews
Derogatory name calling and insults of a racist nature
Written racist comments by staff or students
Displays of offensive pictures, posters and graffiti
Racist discrimination in access to services, education, employment and promotional opportunities
Exclusion of the knowledge or experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from discipline areas to which these are relevant

What can you do if you experience racist behaviour?

Anyone concerned about racism on campus may approach an Equal Opportunity Contact Officer on an informal basis. They will provide support and assistance as well as information on the University's Equal Opportunity policy, Anti-Racism policy and grievance procedures.

The grievance procedures are designed to ensure that you receive a sympathetic and confidential hearing. No action will be taken unless requested by a complainant, and at all stages confidentiality will be preserved.

Options provided by the grievance procedure

Tell the person concerned that you object to the behaviour and that you want it to stop
Discuss the situation with an Equal Opportunity Contact Officer who has been selected and trained specifically for this purpose and who may arrange an informal or formal conciliation
Speak to your supervisor or lecturer
Make a formal complaint
Contact your union
Contact the Equal Opportunity team

If you experience racist behaviour keep confidential records of everything that happens. Be sure to include names, witnesses, dates and times of events.

How can you help prevent racism from occurring on campus?

Everyone can contribute to the eradication of racism on campus.

You can:

Promote mutual respect between individuals who come from different cultural backgrounds
Openly support and promote the University's Equal Opportunity policy and Anti-Racism policy
If you observe racist behaviour speak up and name it for what it is
Offer support to people who are being harassed
If you are a supervisor, circulate information on the University's Equal Opportunity policy and Anti-Racism policy and ensure that it is adhered to in your area

Consequences of racism

For students who experience racist behaviour

Poor study performance
Unfair academic results
Absenteeism due to stress
Withdrawal from courses or the university
Reduced career prospects

For staff who experience racist behaviour

Lower productivity, poor quality of work
Low staff morale
Absenteeism due to stress
Unnecessary transfers or resignations

For the University

Poor public and international image
Low morale and decreased productivity
Costly staff turnover
Expensive litigation
Loss of students

Are your comments or behaviours likely to cause offence?

Racist comments or behaviour can sometimes be unintended.

If you are not sure about any aspect which could give offence you can:

Be sensitive to signs of discomfort
Stop it
Apologise, if you notice the discomfort
Talk it over with an Equal Opportunity Contact Officer or someone who has an understanding of cultural issues.