Anti-discrimination

CSU has zero tolerance for discrimination based on factors including (but not limited to) age, disability, race, sexuality, sex and gender identity.

We rigorously follow our legal obligation to:

  • prevent unlawful discrimination and harassment
  • promote equality of opportunity for certain groups
  • report on its employment equity programs.

Through our EO Online program, we train all staff on employment equity and their rights and responsibilities under relevant legislation.

Racism. It Stops With Me.

Everyone at CSU is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where racism isn't tolerated. The 'Racism. It Stops with Me' campaign invites all Australians to reflect on what they can do to counter racism wherever it happens. We're proud to have joined forces with some of Australia’s leading businesses, sporting bodies and NGOs to support this campaign.

In February 2016, CSU was named Supporter of the Month by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) for the 'Racism. It Stops With Me' campaign. We have now launched the campaign to staff and students on each campus.

What is racism?

The Australian Human Rights Commission recognises that 'racism can take many forms, such as jokes or comments that cause offence or hurt, sometimes unintentionally; name-calling or verbal abuse; harassment or intimidation, or commentary in the media or online that inflames hostility towards certain groups.

At its most serious, racism can result in acts of physical abuse and violence.

Racism can directly or indirectly exclude people from accessing services or participating in employment, education, sport and social activities.

It can also occur at a systemic or institutional level through policies, conditions or practices that disadvantage certain groups.

It often manifests through unconscious bias or prejudice.'

Casual racism is particularly important to recognise and stand against. Casual racism can include seemingly offhand comments and actions that result in stereotyping and prejudice.

Beyond Blue has produced a clip titled 'The Invisible Discriminator' to highlight the impact of discrimination on Indigenous Australians and to challenge everyone in Australia to check their behaviour, think about their actions and challenge discrimination when they see it happening.

For more information about the campaign, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

Our commitment

Our organisation has committed to preventing racism by pledging to undertake activities in support of the campaign. We are proud to support the Australian Human Rights Commission's 'Racism. It Stops With Me' campaign.

Vice-Chancellor Endorsement

I am very pleased, and I think it is important to stand here today and declare CSU’s commitment and support to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s campaign, ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’.

Racism can take many forms including overt and covert behaviour. Anyone can experience racist behaviour in their daily lives, at workplaces, school or university, home, online and at any public venue or event. Like all communities, it happens from time to time at CSU and I want to say very clearly that it's not OK.

Racist behaviour can have negative and lasting effects on mental and physical health and well being.

Racism is never okay. At CSU we want a diverse student and staff community where everyone can reach their full potential. We need to work and learn together to build a more tolerant and better community. Let’s help achieve this by declaring that there is no place for racism at CSU.

Racism. It Stops With Me

Professor Andrew Vann
Vice-Chancellor

Read up

Speak up

Show your support

  • Follow the campaign on Twitter @ItStopsWithMe
  • Display a poster in your work area - posters can be downloaded from the 'Campaign Material' on the Australian Human Rights Commission website
  • Participate in CSU's events support the 'Racism. It Stops With Me' campaign

Courageous Conversations about Race program

As part of the 'Racism. It Stops With Me' campaign, Human Resources have trained facilitators to deliver Courageous Conversations About Race (CCAR) workshops to staff and students. CCAR has a strong theoretical and practical base and is being rolled out across the Higher Education sector in Australia and New Zealand.

Contact rswm@csu.edu.au for more information.

Find out more

You can find information about student equity initiatives on the Equity Support website.

Support and Information for Staff and Students

Staff Support

If you're a staff member and have experienced discrimination at CSU, please contact the Manger, Equity and Diversity.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and eligible family members can telephone the counselling service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Student Support

If you're a student and have experienced discrimination at CSU, you can contact the Student Liaison Officer (Equity) or a Student Counsellor.