Anti-Racism
Anti-Racism Statement
Flinders University values and celebrates all forms of diversity that is reflected in our community.
We condemn and actively stand against any acts of racism and vilification at all our locations and in all of our activities and engagements.
The University’s commitment to anti-racism is reflected in our strategy, policies, and practices, and we will continue to champion diversity and equality of opportunity, to respect peoples from all nations, cultures, and backgrounds to further build a vibrant, inclusive and values-based community that makes Flinders University the destination of choice for students and staff.
Explore Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Flinders
People are at the heart of our University, and we are committed to championing diversity, equality of opportunity and a safe and inclusive, values-based community for all.
Racism and Victimisation is against the law
Commonwealth and state/territory legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of particular personal characteristics or because they belong to a certain group, this includes race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.
As stated by the Australian Human Rights Commission, “racism is more than just prejudice in thought or action. Racism is the process by which systems and policies, actions and attitudes create inequitable opportunities and outcomes for people based on race.”*
Flinders recognises other forms of discrimination such as gender, sexuality, religious belief, age or ability can also intersect and compound the effects of racism.
Source: Australian Human Rights Commission Website
It is unlawful to treat people unfairly because they have used equal opportunity laws.*
Unlawful victimisation is unfair treatment for complaining about discrimination or harassment. It is also unlawful to be victimised for helping another person to make such a complaint or appearing as a witness when a complaint is being investigated. It is against the law because victimisation punishes people for speaking out and stops them from complaining.
The University is committed to fostering a culture where staff and other members of the University community are encouraged to report concerns of possible wrongdoing and unsafe practices.
*Source: Equal Opportunity SA.
Racism. It Stops With Me.
Flinders University supports the Australian Human Rights Commission national Racism. It Stops With Me Campaign.
Further information about the campaign, key terms, and a range of tools and resources to engage in active anti-racism, can be found on the Australian Human Rights website Racism. It Stops with Me.
Policies and procedures
Flinders is committed to embracing diversity, and promoting equity, inclusion and social responsibility and this is prioritised in our overarching strategy “The 2025 Agenda."
In accordance with Flinders Values and Ethos and Code of Conduct, all members of the university community are required to demonstrate respect and uphold the principles of equity, inclusivity, and diversity.
A 60 minute self-paced online course is available for staff to build awareness and understanding of the code.
Several policies and procedures supplement the University’s Enterprise Agreement and give practical effect to anti-racism, these can be located in our Flinders Policy library.
Need help?
If you need further assistance, contact:
Further information
Training
Flinders encourages personal growth and learning. We offer a broad range of training for staff, students, and managers to increase overall cultural competency, and support Flinders commitment to a work and study environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment or bullying.
Need help?
If you need further assistance, contact Organisational Development and Diversity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Flinders acknowledges the expertise and experience of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in championing racial justice in Australia.
Flinders University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff (fixed-term and continuing) are entitled to the hourly equivalent of a total of five (5) days per year of Special Paid Leave (pro rata for part-time staff members) to cover maintenance of kinship/community links to ensure currency of Australian Indigenous knowledge.
Further information can be found in Flinders Enterprise Agreement or by contacting your People and Culture Business Partnering Team.
Further information regarding Flinders Indigenous programs and strategies can be found at the link below.
What can you do if you witness or experience racism?
Flinders offers several options for further support and information if you are either experiencing or have witnessed discrimination.
Take early action:
Everyone is encouraged to take appropriate and relevant action to address racism early. Actions that are ‘appropriate and relevant’ will differ according to the situation, the context and the people involved.
Actions may include but are not limited to:
- raising the matter directly with the person concerned if you feel comfortable and safe to do so.
- reporting the behaviour to your manager, supervisor or teaching staff
- contacting EO Officer
- contacting P&C Business Partner
- Making a complaint
It is recommended that in all instances you keep notes of any specific incidents, the context in which they occurred, such as the parties involved, names of any witnesses, times dates and location.
Complaints process:
Further information regarding the complaint processes available to staff and students are detailed below:
Student complaints may be made in accordance with the Student Complaints Policy and supporting procedures.
Further information can be found here.
Need help?
If you need further assistance, contact:
Staff complaints may be made in accordance with the Staff Grievances (clause 15 – page 10) provisions in the University’s Enterprise Agreement and associated policy and procedures.
Need help?
If you need further assistance, contact:
Contacts and support services
A network of trained Equal Opportunity (EO) contact officers are available in all areas of the University. EO Officers have been trained to provide confidential support and information to staff and students involved in a complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or bullying. A list of current EO Officers and their location can be found here.
Student information and support is also available from:
- Health, Counselling and Disability
- Student Equal Opportunity Advisor
- The fieldwork / placement Coordinator in the case of behaviours experienced whilst on fieldwork or a placement
- For matters related to Flinders Living, Deputy Principal and Principal, Flinders Living
For supervisors managing discrimination situations or looking to explore ways to provide extra support, further information and/or support is available from the following areas:
How can you help prevent racism from occurring on campus?
Everyone can contribute to the eradication of racism on campus.
You can:
- Openly support and promote the University's Code of Conduct
- 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 Code of Conduct and Anti-Racism statement and ensure that it is adhered to in your area.
About this information
Whilst every care has been taken in developing this content no part of it should be taken as formal legal advice.
Cultural leave
Flinders recognises the varied cultural obligations and celebrations of our diverse workforce and have accessible special paid leave for staff to participate in or fulfil cultural obligations and/or celebration of religious and cultural national days related to the culture with which the staff member or family member identifies.
Further information can be found in Flinders Enterprise Agreement or by contacting your People and Culture Business Partnering Team.
Useful links and contacts
Internal
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Flinders
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion contact (staff)
Equal Opportunity contact (students)
P&C Business Partnering Team (staff)
Equal Opportunity contact officers
Employee Assistance Program (staff only)
Employee Assistance Program for Supervisor Assistance (Staff supervisors)
Health, Counselling and Disability
Safety on campus
i-enrol (staff)
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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