Discrimination – 16 plus
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is when someone treats you differently because of who you are, such as for your culture, views or opinions. It is against the law to discriminate against and everyone should be treated equally and fairly.
Common reasons that people experience discrimination for are race, sexuality, gender or religion. Discrimination, racism and hate crime are often confused.
Discrimination is when someone is treated differently or bullied because of something about them.
Racism is when people are treated differently, abused or discriminated against because of their race.
Hate Crime is any crime that is committed against someone caused because of prejudice or discrimination.
What is the difference between discrimination and bullying?
Discrimination and bullying can be very similar. For example, if someone singles you out because of your skin or hair colour.
But bullying is different from discrimination, as it can happen for no reason at all. Someone who bullies might do so because they’re jealous of the person or dislikes them. Sometimes people bully others just because they feel like it.
Discrimination happens because someone doesn’t like something about another person. Sometimes people discriminate without realising what they’re doing. But whether it’s done on purpose or not, discrimination is illegal.
Discrimination comes from prejudice. Prejudice is having an opinion about a group of people, with no reason to do so. Discrimination happens when you treat another person unfairly because there is something different about them. It is never ok to discriminate – and it is against the law.
I am being discriminated against or Hate Crime has happened to me. What can I do?
The first thing you need to do is make sure you’re safe. Tell an adult you trust, a teacher or a member of college staff, talk to us at Voice or tell the police.
Discrimination and Hate Crime can leave you feeling like others don’t understand you. You may feel alone or scared. But you don’t have to put up with it.
If you’re being discriminated against, or have had Hate Crime happen to you, make sure you:
• keep a diary of what’s happening. You can use this as evidence;
• tell an adult you trust about how you’re being treated. They’ll be able to give you help and advice;
• If you’re being discriminated against at school, tell your teachers. If this is at work, tell your employer. They should support you and should do something about it;
• talk to Voice. We’ll be able to listen and help you decide how to make it stop; or
• report it to the police. Discrimination and Hate Crime are illegal, and the police will help you.
I’m being discriminated against at work. What can I do?
There are three things you can do if you’re being discriminated against at work:
• complain informally to your employer;
• raise a grievance using your employer’s grievance procedures; and
• make a claim to the Employment Tribunal.
You do not have to choose only one of these three, you can try them all in turn. If you can’t get your employer to put things right, you can make a claim to an industrial tribunal.
If you’re unsure on how to do any of the above, speak to us at Voice – we can help you go through the process and give help and advice along the way.
What can I do about Hate Crime at school?
If you’re experiencing this type of bullying, the school should deal with it under their behaviour policy. This may include involving the police if the incident is serious.
Make sure you tell your teacher or another member of the school staff. If you’re unsure about anything, talk to Voice. We’re here to help and support you and we don’t have to tell anyone if you don’t want us to.