Unlawful discrimination takes place when an individual or a group of people is treated less favourably than others based on a protected characteristic, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity (including treating a woman less favourably because she is breastfeeding), race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Discrimination can be direct (i.e., where you are treated worse than another person because of a protected characteristic) or indirect (i.e., when a policy applies in the same way for everybody but disadvantages a group of people who share a protected characteristic.)
Discrimination can be direct (i.e., where you are treated worse than another person because of a protected characteristic) or indirect (i.e., when a policy applies in the same way for everybody but disadvantages a group of people who share a protected characteristic.)
There are three different forms of direct discrimination, which can occur separately or in conjunction with one another:
- Due to having a protected characteristic - when someone is treated less favourably on the grounds that they have a protected characteristic.
- By association – discrimination due to someone’s relationship with a person with a protected characteristic.
- By perception – discrimination due to perception that they have a protected characteristic.
For a detailed description of direct and indirect discrimination, please visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.
Visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s definition for discrimination.
Visit Citizens Advice Scotland to learn more about discrimination.
Please note that where a complaint of harassment is raised under the University Dignity and Respect policy, the definition of bullying set out in that policy will apply to any actions under that policy.
The University expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in their day-to-day activities, including in their dealings with other students, staff and external organisations. Students are expected to comply with University policies and regulations. Where they do not comply with these requirements, and where they disrupt University activities, then the University will follow relevant procedures to resolve matters, including the Code of Student Conduct.