If you think someone you know has been discriminated against, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with discrimination is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Unlawful discrimination takes place when an individual or a group of people are treated less favourably than others based on a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership (in employment), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex or gender, sexual orientation.
Think
- What is discrimination? It might be useful to think about what constitutes unlawful discrimination.
Talk
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them. (Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening.)
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
Report
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. They can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- University Procedure. If they choose to make a formal complaint to the University against a student or a member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Get Support