Equity and Diversity

At Deakin University you are entitled to enjoy a safe and non-discriminatory environment. You are also entitled to have the same opportunities as all other students. This is a legal requirement of the University under both Federal and State Laws.

The legislation lists a variety of categories of people who must not be discriminated against.

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated less favourably than others because they belong or identify with a particular group or practice, and/or are perceived to have certain traits or attitudes.

Discrimination can be direct or indirect. Direct discrimination is the treatment or proposed treatment of one person (or group of people) less favourably than another in the same or similar circumstances. Homophobia, sexism and racism fall into this category.

Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy or practice which seems to be neutral or fair results in a particular person or group of people being adversely affected. Examples of indirect discrimination include height requirements in some jobs, or fluency in a language that is of no relevance to a particular task.

Discrimination is unlawful, under Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act on the basis of:

• age
• disability
• industrial activity
• lawful sexual activity and sexual orientation
• marital, parental or carer status
• physical features
• political beliefs or activity
• pregnancy
• race
• religious belief or activity
• gender
• personal association with a person identified by reference to any of the above attributes

It is also unlawful to sexually harass another person.

Relevant legislation

• Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Federal Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• Federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• Equal Employment Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999
• Federal Racial Hatred Act 1995

What is Harassment?

Harassment is any unwelcome behaviour that is offensive, belittling or abusive to another person or group of people. Harassment is illegal under Commonwealth and State Anti-Discrimination Legislation.

Examples of harassment may include abusive name calling, displays of sexually explicit materials, making unwanted suggestions, telling offensive jokes, making racist remarks and so forth.

Sexual harassment is one variety of harassment. It can take many forms. Rape is an extreme form of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment also encompasses unwelcome comments or contact of a sexual nature, including:

• any act of unwanted physical closeness
• sexually explicit or suggestive jokes; including over the internet or in student publications
• screensavers
• comments with sexual connotation
• posters and calendars
• gestures and actions

Date rape is also a form of sexual harassment. It occurs when someone you are going out with forces or manipulates you into having sex against your will.

You are entitled to experience an education at Deakin University that is free from discrimination, either direct or indirect, and free from harassment. If you feel you have been discriminated against or harassed you can take action. Contact a Student Rights Officer for more information.