Wellbeing

Embracing diversity: dealing with discrimination

By ReslifeTeam 29 Feb 2024

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 eliminate 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 that are affecting our students and staff.

Report & Support

Report & Support is our online disclosure system. It provides support to members of our University community who
have been subjected to unacceptable behaviours. Examples of unacceptable behaviours include bullying, harassment, abuse, physical assault, sexual violence, hate incidents or hate crimes.

If you’ve been subjected to discriminatory behaviour you can disclose it to us to investigate further (if you’d like us to), and ensure you are safe and supported. You can submit disclosures anonymously if you wish.

Website: reportandsupport.le.ac.uk

Standing Together

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

Standing Together is a University-wide initiative to improve wellbeing by tackling unacceptable behaviours and supporting students and the wider University community, who are directly and indirectly affected.

The Standing Together team is made up of male and female Case Workers who are trained in receiving disclosures and offering support. All Case Workers are trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers. They respond to disclosures submitted through the Report & Support system.

Immediate support

If it’s a life-threatening emergency, a crime has been committed or you need immediate help, please call 999.

If you are on campus, or in a University building and need help, contact our security on 0116 252 2888 (or via the emergency button in the SafeZone app) who are available 24/7.

If you are in need of urgent NHS Mental Health Support you should call the 24-hour Central Access Point on 0116 295 3060.

Victim First

An independent and confidential service that supports victims through their journey of recovery. They can support you in coping with the after-effects of crime and help with reporting to the police.

Website: victimfirst.org

Galop

Emotional and practical support for LGBTQ+ people. They are able to give independent advice to those who have experienced violence, threats, intimidation and/or insults due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Tel: 0800 999 5428
Website: galop.org.uk

Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

Advises and assists on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales (e.g. if you’ve been treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic).

Tel: 0808 800 0082
Website: www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

BEING AN ACTIVE BYSTANDER

Everyone should feel confident challenging discriminatory or derogatory language. There are a few ways to go about doing this. Try some of the phrases below:

Establish their understanding
“What do you mean by ‘that’s so gay’?” “Do you know what that word actually means?”

Explain the meaning
“Gay is a word we use to describe [...] not a nasty word to use as an insult.”

Use empathy
“How do you think you would feel if someone called you names like that?”
“That language is really hurtful/ offensive to me/others.”

Link to our ethos and policy
“As students here, we don’t use language like that. We are kind and respectful to everyone.”

Challenge them directly (if you feel comfortable and safe to do so)
“You know that that language is absolutely unacceptable.”
“Why are you saying that word?”
“You should be ashamed of yourself for talking to someone that way.”