The Discrimination Act forbids discrimination on the basis of:

• gender, gender identity or expression
• ethnic identification
• religion or other belief system
• disability
• sexual orientation
• age

The Work Environment legislation forbids any action that may be perceived to be demeaning and that may result in bullying or ill-health.

Create the right conditions

The University works to promote the equality of rights and opportunities for all students and staff members. Our equality work is built upon the foundations of democratic values and human rights.

The capacity to utilise the talents, experiences and resources offered by all people provides the conditions for a healthy and effective work, study and research environment. The objective is to create an environment that encourages and promotes diversity.

The University of Skövde’s employees and students may not treat other students or employees differently if they have reported or brought attention to any behaviour that contravenes the principle of equality.

Equal rights and opportunities in practice

In our day-to-day interactions, we all (both students and staff members alike) have a personal responsibility to ensure that colleagues, teachers and students are all treated with respect. It is important that all individuals are made to feel welcome and included.

It may be helpful to think about ways in which you can contribute to ensuring that everybody feels included, and about how you talk to (and about) the people around you.

Ask yourself about the kind of atmosphere and the language used among your classmates. Does anybody make sexist or racist jokes? Are there any activities that disabled people could find it difficult to take part in? Are there any social activities that involve songs or sketches that contain negative stereotypes or that communicate a prejudicial view of (e.g.) women or homosexuals?

We all have a personal responsibility to ensure that other people are treated with respect and dignity.

To whom can I turn for help?

If you should ever be subjected to any form of harassment, discrimination or demeaning treatment – or if you become aware that anybody else has been – do not hesitate to contact the relevant Head of Division for the course/study programme concerned. You can also turn to Anneli Ottosson, who is the coordinator for student equality, for help.