Anti-Discrimination Statement

Discrimination has no place at the University of East London. Our community has the right to study, work and live in an environment which is free from bullying and harassment and gives them the dignity and respect to which they are entitled.

Our mission remains to foster inclusive pathways to career readiness for students of all backgrounds whilst driving positive change and measurable impact through our research, global partnerships, and innovative educational models. 

The University is committed to eradicating unlawful discrimination and to promote equity, diversity and inclusivity in all activities, but we recognise that we have work to do.  Everybody should be treated equitably and with courtesy and respect. 

The University of East London conforms and adheres to all anti-discrimination legislation, through established policies and procedures, including: 

• Disability - Disability Policy  (Only available in Intranet)
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy EDI Policy
• Equality and Diversity in Recruitment  Equality and Diversity in Employment (Only available in Intranet)
• Office for Institutional Equity Strategic Plan 2021-2025 - Our Strategic Plan (Only available in Intranet)
• Ethical Framework - Ethical Framework | University of East London

The University of East London also recognises a range of positional statements for educative purposes and to enforce our commitment to eradicating unlawful discrimination.  To this end, the University recognises the following:

• Antiracism Statement - Anti-racism | University of East London
• The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism (excluding appendices) - UEL Antisemitism Statement | University of East London
• Accessibility Statement  - Accessibility Statement | University of East London
• Islamophobia – Islamophobia Statement | University of East London
• University of Sanctuary - University of Sanctuary | University of East London
• Race Equality Charter - Race equality | University of East London
• Athena Swan - Athena Swan | University of East London
• Stonewall - Office for Institutional Equity | University of East London

Unlawful grounds for discrimination

The University has a legal responsibility to ensure relevant anti-discrimination legislation is upheld. Discrimination on any of the following grounds is unlawful:

• age
• civil status
• dependency or caring for dependants
• disability
• family status
• gender reassignment
• marital status
• marriage and civil partnerships
• membership of the Traveller community
• political opinion
• pregnancy and maternity
• race
• religion or belief
• sex
  sexual orientation

Forms of discrimination

Any act of discrimination or harassment on unlawful grounds or failure to comply with our policies and procedures will result in a thorough investigation which may lead to disciplinary action for our staff or students. With regards to our external stakeholders, there will be a requirement for compliance. In addition to protected characteristics, we will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of any other characteristics or circumstances including, but not limited to: gender or gender identity, ethnic or national origin, socio-economic background and trade union membership status.

• Direct discrimination – treating someone with a protected characteristic or different circumstances less favourably than others
• Indirect discrimination – putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic or different circumstances at an unfair disadvantage
• Harassment – unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic or different circumstances that violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment for them
• Victimisation – treating someone unfairly or badly because they have, or are thought to have, made a complaint about discrimination or harassment or helped someone else make a claim of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Discrimination arising from individual characteristics and circumstances is not only unlawful but prevents individuals, organisations and societies from achieving their potential. The University is united against any form of discrimination and will take all necessary action to eliminate it.

Anti-discrimination and Free Speech

The University recognises the right to free speech and freedom of expression and has this enshrined this within its Articles of Government.  The anti-discrimination statement and related policies on diversity, equity and inclusion are supported by principles that do not seek to prohibit discussions or debate.  There is an expectation within the University that people will be considerate and tolerate opposing views.  The right to free speech is fundamental to the work of the University but this freedom is not absolute. The law allows restrictions on speech that has the potential to incite hatred or violence.  To this end, the University considers that personal safety and individual dignity must also be protected.

Approved by Academic Board
26 February 2025