Call it out: take a stand against racism
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in reports of racism and discrimination in Australia and globally.
RMIT has zero tolerance for racism. If you have experienced racism, discrimination or any kind of concerning behaviour, on or off campus, support is available.
The University is committed to creating an inclusive environment for our diverse community where everyone feels safe and respected. To do this, your help is needed.
Associate Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion Lara Rafferty said being a bystander against racism starts with seeing the problem as a shared responsibility.
“We are all in this together,” she said.
“If we take a stand and call it out, we can create a community where everyone feels respected and included.”
Standing up to racism isn’t easy but it’s the right thing to do. By planning ahead, you’re more likely to feel confident about challenging racism if you witness it.
To make your plan, take these three steps:
- Decide what behaviour you will stand up to.
- Consider what action you will take.
- Consider what obstacle may prevent you from taking action and how will you overcome it.
Make your plan and it will be emailed to you.
We all have a responsibility to stand up to racism, because racism only thrives if we don’t act.
People who are targeted by racist behaviour may feel uncomfortable or unsafe to respond.
That’s why it is even more important that bystanders actively stand against racism.
There are lots of ways you can be an active bystander, including recording and reporting the incident, intervening or supporting the target of the behaviour.
- Learn more about how to intervene.
- Take a minute to make your bystander intervention plan..
- Contact HR Assist on 9925 0600 to discuss your concerns and options.
References and further reading
- What can you do? (Racism. It stops with me.)
- Standing up to racism (Reach Out)
- Educating yourself about racism (Beyond Blue)
- Challenge your understanding of racism app (All Together Now)
- Choosing to act: Bystander action to prevent race-based discrimination (VicHealth)
This article originally appeared on the RMIT University Staff website.
