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?
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
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Poor study performance
- Unfair academic results
- Absenteeism due to stress
- Withdrawal from courses or the university
- Reduced career prospects
- Lower productivity, poor quality of work
- Low staff morale
- Absenteeism due to stress
- Unnecessary transfers or resignations
- 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.
Further information and links
Organisations on campus that can provide advice or information on cultural matters include:
- Yunggorendi, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Program
- Equal Opportunity Contact Officers
You may also be interested in reading:
About this information
Whilst every care has been taken in developing this content, no part of it should be taken as formal legal advice.
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