The University of Melbourne is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination as a matter of policy. This is underpinned by the Equal Opportunity Act, the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy, and Discrimination Complaints Policy (Word Doc link) and Guidelines for Staff and Students.
What is Discrimination?
Direct discrimination occurs whenever someone is treated less favourably on the basis of one or more of the following attributes:
- political beliefs and activities
- lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation
- religious beliefs or activities
- age
- sex
- race
- disability
- industrial activity
- parental or carer status
- pregnancy
- breast feeding
- marital status
- personal association with someone who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes.
Indirect discrimination occurs when a rule, practice or policy appears to be neutral but in effect has a discriminatory impact on a particular group of people.
Discriminatory harassment is any behaviour that takes place on the basis of the above attributes which offends, humiliates or intimidates. It can include being denied access to courses, unfair treatment in assessment, harassment in classes, university activities or on university grounds.
If you wish to discuss in confidence issues around discrimination you can contact the Student Union Advocacy Service. You can also contact the University’s Anti-Discrimination Advisers and the Equal Opportunity Unit on 8344 4438.
Further information can also be obtained at:
