Frequently Asked Questions About Discrimination and Unfair Treatment
Not everything that feels unfair is legally considered discrimination, but you can still report many types of concerns. Here, you will find answers to common questions the University frequently receives about discrimination and unfair treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discrimination
You can always reach out to the Coordinator for Equal rights at likavillkorstudent@his.se or the Student Health Service at studenthalsan@his.se for advice and support in your situation.
In an investigation, your experience of the incident is what matters most. You do not need witnesses to file a report.
Yes, a formal investigation can sometimes result in the case being referred to the disciplinary board. The disciplinary board decides on a possible suspension or warning.
There is a prohibition against reprisals in the Discrimination Act. The prohibition exists to ensure that anyone who wants to report or speak out about discrimination can do so without fearing negative consequences.
Yes, it can be, when an incident has a clear connection to your studies and study situation. For example, if you are subjected to discrimination by a classmate on Discord, and it affects you when you are on-site at school.
Contact the coordinator for equal rights for advice. You can also talk to someone at the school whom you trust.
The Discrimination Act is designed to protect individuals. If the person affected does not want to file a report, an investigation cannot be carried out. However, it is important that the university is made aware of any discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment.
During your work-based education (VFU), you as a student are considered equivalent to an employee at the internship site. The university also has a responsibility to ensure that you are not subjected to discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment during your VFU.
If you feel exposed, you should first contact the course coordinator at the department offering the course, as well as the responsible manager at the workplace. You can also turn to a teacher, the Coordinator for equal rights, the student union, or another staff member you trust.
On the Equal Treatment page, you can read more about the grounds for discrimination and the university's efforts on the matter.
What if my experience does not count as discrimination?
If your experience does not involve discrimination based on any of the grounds stated in the Discrimination Act (gender, transgender identity or expression, ethnic origin, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, age), it can still be investigated as a complaint or from a work environment perspective. Contact the Coordinator for equal rights if you are unsure about how your situation should be classified.
If It’s Not Discrimination
If you believe that your education does not comply with study regulations (rules for undergraduate and advanced level studies, examinations, and student influence), you can submit a complaint.
A conflict occurs when there is a serious disagreement and people do not agree on something.
Conflicts involve arguments about something important to those involved, such as differing ideas, interests, or needs.
A conflict does not necessarily involve discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or abusive treatment but can escalate into such situations.
Actions perceived as degrading by the affected person(s) are called abusive treatment. Examples include:
Disrespectful behavior from a teacher or fellow student
Directed insults
Withholding information or making someone feel invisible
Spreading rumors, threats, or stalking
If abusive treatment is repeated, it is considered bullying. It can lead to health issues and social exclusion, and the University of Skövde has a zero-tolerance policy.
However, certain situations do not qualify as abusive treatment, such as:
Receiving justified criticism
Not being invited to a private party
Being denied a request for valid reasons
Harassment is behavior that violates someone's dignity and is linked to the grounds for discrimination (e.g., degrading, mocking, or generalized statements).
Sexual harassment includes sexual innuendos or actions that violate a person's dignity. It is unwanted by the person exposed, and they determine what is unwelcome or offensive.
