We all have a role to play in building a community that respects diversity and promotes inclusion.

There is no excuse for racism, discrimination, harassment or bullying and it is never acceptable at UniSC, or in our communities.

If you have experienced any of these behaviours (directly or indirectly) or witnessed them, we want to know, and we are here to support you.

How to get support

The Safer Communities Team are a confidential support service for students who have experienced or witnessed discrimination, racism, harassment or other types of harm.

We provide:

• Trauma-informed support
• Confidential consultations
• Assistance with safety planning and academic adjustments, support and reporting options.

How to reach us: 

• complete an online form
• Make an appointment
• Email us: safe@usc.edu.au  
• Call us: 5430 1226 

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What Is Racism, Discrimination and Harassment?

UniSC defines these behaviours as follows:

Racism refers to discriminatory or abusive behaviour based on race, ethnicity, or cultural background. It can include verbal abuse, exclusion, stereotyping, or systemic disadvantage (e.g. through policies, procedures, services, etc.).

Discrimination is unfair treatment of an individual or group based on personal attributes such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, parental responsibilities, etc.

It may be direct or indirect:

• Direct discrimination: A student is treated unfairly because of their religion.
• Indirect discrimination: A rule applies to everyone but disadvantages students with a disability.

Harassment is any unwelcome behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person. It can be based on attributes listed under discrimination and includes racial, sexual, disability, or gender-based harassment.

What happens after I tell UniSC about my experience?

• It is important to know that you can get support and tell us about an incident without making a formal complaint.
• We can explain your options and support you to choose what’s best for you.  

Reporting Options at UniSC

• You can report any experiences of racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying, or other misconduct. The university offers both informal and formal resolution options.
• We can tell you more about these options, or there is more information is available here.

What happens if I make a formal complaint to UniSC?

Safer Communities can support students who have experienced or witnessed racism, discrimination or harassment in making their complaint.

Students can also lodge a formal complaint through UniSC’s Student Complaints Resolution Procedures:

• Use the online form or contact the relevant university office, Student Complaints Resolution Procedures
• Investigation and Review: The university will assess the complaint, investigate where necessary, and provide a response. Students may be asked to provide supporting documentation or statements.
• When Safer Communities are supporting students through a complaint of racism, discrimination or harassment, we can support communication between Student Complaints and the student – at the request of the student. 

External Avenues:

If internal resolution is not satisfactory, students may contact:

• UniSC Student Ombudsman: The UniSC Student Ombudsman is here to ensure students receive fair and equitable treatment across all areas of student experience, including the resolution of complaints.
• National Student Ombudsman: The National Student Ombudsman works to resolve student complaints about higher education providers. They are a free and independent service for all higher education students.

Further Resources and Policies

Learn more about UniSC’s commitment to equity and inclusion: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Other resources

Information and support for discrimination and human rights issues: Australian Human Rights Commission

Find community support and events for culturally diverse residents in your area: Queensland Multicultural Resource Directory

13YARN

13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line funded by the Australian Government with the support of Lifeline and developed in collaboration with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. It is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Visit: www.13yarn.org.au
• Tel: 13YARN (13 92 76)

Qlife

QLife’s LGBTIQ+SB-specific peer support counteracts discrimination, stigma and isolation.

• Visit: www.qlife.org.au
• Tel: 1800 184 527

Lifeline

• Visit: www.lifeline.org.au
• Tel: 13 11 14
• Text: 0477 13 11 14