The University fosters Equal Opportunity which refers to a commitment to provide an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of:
- race, colour, national or ethnic origin, nationality
- sex, or gender, sexual preference, marital status, pregnancy, status as a parent or carer
- religious or political belief or activity, industrial activity
- age, physical features, disability, medical record
- personal association with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above listed attributes.
Two kinds of discrimination are recognised in equal opportunity legislation.
Direct discrimination involves treating a person 'less favourably' than another in the same or similar circumstances on a prohibited ground or for a prohibited reason.
Indirect discrimination occurs when a rule, practice or policy which appears to be neutral has in effect a disproportionate impact on the group of which the complainant is a member.
It may occur without any intention or motivation on the part of the discriminator to disadvantage a particular individual or group.
Racial harassment is any verbal, physical or written act which is based upon a person's descent, colour, ethnic or national origin or nationality and is unwanted, unacceptable or offensive to the person.
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