Discrimination

Discrimination can be direct or indirect. 

It means someone is treated worse than others because of something about them, like their race, age, gender, or beliefs. 

Someone can also be treated unfairly because of someone close to them, even if that person doesn't have the same characteristic themselves. For example, a student might be treated differently because their partner has a disability, even though the student doesn't. This isn't fair and shouldn't happen. 

Sometimes someone might be treated unfairly because someone else thinks they belong to a certain group, even if they don't. This can happen with things like race, disability, or religion. It's important to remember that everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of what someone else might think. 

Sometimes a rule or practice that seems fair to everyone can disadvantage students from certain groups, like those with disabilities or religious beliefs. This isn't because the rule maker meant to be unfair, but because the rule might not consider everyone's needs equally. For example, a rule requiring everyone to climb stairs might disadvantage someone who uses a wheelchair. 
 
If you are experiencing discrimination, at university or elsewhere, you can access support from the university Wellbeing Team.