Equality and diversity policies
Equal opportunity
In keeping with the spirit and provisions of Commonwealth and State equal opportunity legislation and University policy, La Trobe University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in education and employment. As an employer and an educator, the University is opposed to, and accepts that it has a responsibility to eliminate from its structures, any source of direct or indirect discriminatory practice or behaviour. The University is committed to providing an environment which is free from sexual harassment, harassment and discrimination.
For further information and advice, contact the Equality and Diversity Centre or email: equality@latrobe.edu.au. Contact details for all campuses can be located at www.latrobe.edu.au/equality
Sexual harassment and discrimination legislation
Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate against another on the basis of age, impairment, industrial activity, employment activity, lawful sexual activity, sexual orientation, marital status, breastfeeding, parental/carer status, physical features, political belief or activity, pregnancy, race, religious belief or activity, sex, gender identity and personal association with a person who is identified with any of these attributes.
Under this legislation it is also unlawful to sexually harass or victimise someone. Sexual harassment includes a wide range of unacceptable behaviours of a sexual nature that take place in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the other person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated. Unacceptable behaviours could include:
- personally offensive verbal comments
- whistling or leering
- sexual, crude, or smutty jokes
- repeated comments or teasing about a person’s alleged sexual activities or private life
- persistent, unwelcome social invitations or telephone calls
- unsolicited letters, notes, graffiti, electronic messages
- obscene telephone calls
- offensive hand or body gestures
- physical contact such as patting, pinching, touching, or putting an arm around another person’s body
- provocative visual material or posters with a sexual connotation, particularly pornography
- inappropriate advances on social networking sites
- accessing sexually explicit internet sites.
Offenders may be liable to disciplinary action or be the subject of a complaint under the legislation. The University has people, policy and procedures in place to deal with sexual harassment and discrimination. Contact Officers and Conciliators throughout the University are trained to deal with these issues on a confidential basis. Brochures providing information are available from the Equality and Diversity Centres, residential colleges and student associations throughout the University.
Information relating to the policy on sexual harassment, harassment and discrimination can be found on the Equality and Diversity Centre’s website: www.latrobe.edu.au/equality/
For further information and advice, contact the Equality and Diversity Centre or email: equality@latrobe.edu.au. Contact details for all campuses can be located at www.latrobe.edu.au/equality
Racial and religious tolerance
Under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001, it is unlawful to vilify a person or group on the basis of their race or religion. The Act includes behaviour that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of a person or class of persons due to that person or group’s race or religion. Unlawful conduct may include the wearing of symbols or uniforms, graffiti, telephone calls, speeches, statements, or Internet and email messages. Offenders may be liable to disciplinary action or be the subject of a complaint under the legislation.
For further information and advice, contact the Equality and Diversity Centre or email: equality@latrobe.edu.au. Contact details for all campuses can be located at www.latrobe.edu.au/equality/
Children on campus
The University acknowledges that students and staff may also be parents or guardians of children. While it emphasises that the responsibility for each child’s safety rests with the adult concerned, it directs staff to deal sympathetically with requests from students to bring a dependent child into teaching situations if normal arrangements change unexpectedly. Children are not permitted to enter scientific laboratories, workshops or commercial kitchens without the express approval of the area manager, and then provided they are under appropriate supervision.
Information relating to the policy on children on campus can be found on the Equality and Diversity Centre’s website: www.latrobe.edu.au/equality/. For further information and advice, contact the Equality and Diversity Centre or email: equality@latrobe.edu.au. Contact details for all campuses can be located at www.latrobe.edu.au/equality/
Disability
The University is committed to the enhancement of educational opportunities and the provision of a study environment that recognises and responds to the needs of students with disabilities, mental health illness, ongoing medical conditions or who are Deaf or hearing impaired. Information relating to the policy on people with disabilities can be found on the Equality and Diversity Centre’s website: www.latrobe.edu.au/equality
Students who may require supports and services are encouraged to discuss their requirements with a Disability Advisor at their relevant campus. Disability Advisors are able to assist students in assessing their needs and provide supports to ensure they are able to participate fully and to the best of their ability. For contact details please refer to http://www.latrobe.edu.au/equality/disability