What is Racism?
Race Equality Policy and Actions
The university's race equality policy is contained in our general policy which forms part of the UWS Equality Scheme. Previous Race Equality schemes and actions are reflected in the updated action plan and in the unified Equality Scheme.
Racism may take the form of:
- Racial discrimination - either direct or indirect.
- Racial harassment or attack.
- Victimisation.
- Institutional racism.
Racial Discrimination:
Direct discrimination is treating a person less favourably on racial grounds. Indirect discrimination is applying a provision, criterion or practice that has the effect of disadvantaging one group over another and which is not justified on non-racial grounds.
Racial Harassment:
Racial harassment is unwanted conduct which violates a person’s dignity and creates a hostile, degrading or threatening environment.
Victimisation:
Victimisation occurs when a person is treated unfavourably because they have complained about racial discrimination or supported someone who has made a complaint.
Institutional Racism:
Following the enquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence, The MacPherson Report defined institutional racism as:
“The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes, and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping which disadvantages minority ethnic people.”