Limiting the negative effects it has on our society

Discrimination is something we all will come into contact with at some point in our lives. Whether that is directly or indirectly, we all must make an effort to deal with discrimination the right way and limit the negative effects it has on our society.

The Equality Act 2010

This is part of UK law, which requires organisations (such as the University) to take measures to discourage discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics (such as race, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity). This means proactively tackling discrimination and bullying and promoting respect and understanding of issues affecting marginalised groups.

In order to do this, we need to know about incidents of discrimination within the University or that are affecting our students and staff.

Understanding the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 is a pivotal piece of legislation that ensures fairness and equality across various aspects of life in the UK. It is designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on specific protected characteristics and to promote a more inclusive society.

Key Concepts and Protected Characteristics

Part 2, Chapter 1 of the Equality Act 2010 outlines key concepts about equality, defining protected characteristics to prevent discrimination. These characteristics include:

·      Age

·      Disability

·      Gender reassignment

·      Marriage and civil partnership

·      Race

·      Religion or belief

·      Sex

·      Sexual orientation

Individuals that have these characteristics are legally protected from discrimination in contexts such as work, education, and access to services.

Types of Discrimination

The Act defines various forms of discrimination, including:

·      Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.

·      Indirect Discrimination: Implementing policies or practices that apply to everyone but disadvantage a particular group.

·      Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

·      Victimisation: Treating someone unfavourably because they have made or supported a complaint about discrimination.

Duties of Employers and Service Providers

The Act imposes specific duties on employers, service providers, and public functions to ensure equal access and treatment. These include making reasonable adjustments for disabled persons to accommodate their needs and ensure they have equal opportunities.

Prohibited Conduct Related to Specific Characteristics

Part 2, Chapter 2 of the Equality Act 2010 delves into prohibited conduct, detailing specific protections for disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy, and maternity:

·      Disability Discrimination: Occurs when a person is treated unfavourably due to something arising from their disability, unless the treatment can be justified as a necessary means of achieving a legitimate goal.

·      Gender Reassignment Discrimination: Protects individuals who are absent from work due to gender reassignment, ensuring they are not treated less favourably than if their absence was due to sickness or another justified reason.

·      Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination (Non-Work Cases): It is unlawful to treat a woman unfavourably because of her pregnancy or because she has given birth, including breastfeeding.

·      Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination (Work Cases): Similar protections apply in the workplace, where it is illegal to treat a woman unfavourably during the 'protected period' of her pregnancy and maternity leave.

The Equality Act 2010 requires proactive measures to tackle discrimination, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all. At the University of Leicester, we are committed to upholding these principles, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Welfare

The Student Welfare service is located in the Percy Gee Building and offers practical support for all students – find out more here.

The Student Welfare service offers detailed support for:

·      Carers

·      Care leavers

·      Estranged students

·      Mature students

·      Asylum seekers and refugees

·      Students experiencing financial hardship

And specialist advice on:

·      Finances and budgeting

·      Student Finance

·      Benefits

·      Personal circumstances

Appointments can be made remotely or in person at the Percy Gee Building. For more information, contact welfare@leicester.ac.uk

Standing Together

Students and staff at the University of Leicester are Standing Together to create an inclusive and respectful campus for working, learning and studying.

Standing Together is a University-wide programme improving wellbeing through tackling unacceptable behaviours and supporting students, and the wider University community, who are directly and indirectly affected. Standing Together engages all areas of the University including academics, the Accommodation Team, the Students’ Union, the Security Team, the Sports Team and, importantly, students.

If you have experienced or witnessed something that is not ok or seems harmful you can contact our specialist support team called Standing Together.  

Refer here for support: Report & Support.

If you would rather not speak to the university about this. You can access support externally: Support Services in the Community - Report + Support - University of Leicester

Please contact us if you experience or witness any form of discrimination as soon as possible, so we do our best to help resolve the situation.