What is Cultural Diversity?

The University of Melbourne's Cultural Diversity Policy affirms that cultural diversity encompasses differences based on race, ethnicity, language, religion, value and belief systems, disability, class, sexuality, gender, age and educational background. The cultural diversity of the University is a strength and an asset, and we value diversity of opinions, perspectives and interests.

Valuing Cultural Diversity

The University of Melbourne is committed to social harmony and cohesion, supporting all staff and students as they achieve a deeper appreciation of their own cultures, as well as greater cross-cultural understanding. The University strives to create an environment where staff and students promote culturally inclusive behaviour and activities, ensure cultural differences are heard and explored, and actively seek to learn from other cultures.

The University of Melbourne's Cultural Diversity Policy sets out the University's commitment to an institutional culture in which all students and staff share an appreciation of cultural diversity in outlook, values and understanding.

Frequently asked questions

Why is diversity important?

What is meant by the term 'equity'?

What is an equity group?

What is equal opportunity?

What is affirmative action?

What is discrimination?

What is direct discrimination?

What is indirect discrimination?

Why is diversity important?

The University views the diversity of its staff and student population as a strength and an asset, valuing the opinions, perspectives and interests that come from a diverse population. Cultural diversity enriches all aspects of academic and social life and encourages approaches to teaching and learning that are relevant to our increasingly global academic environment.

What is meant by the term 'equity'?

Equity, in context of equal opportunity and anti-discrimination, refers to fairness, or principles of justice aimed redressing the inequalities in opportunity. Equity issues began to be taken seriously by universities in the early 1990s, following the publication of the Government Paper: A Fair Chance for All.

What is an equity group?

The University has targeted strategies which address the needs of groups of people who are known to be underrepresented in higher education in Australia.

• Students from rural and isolated backgrounds
• Indigenous students
• Students from low socio-economic backgrounds
• Students with a disability or ongoing medical condition
• Students who come from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB)
• Women in non-traditional fields of study and women doing postgraduate degrees by research.

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What is equal opportunity?

Equal Opportunity aims to ensure that discrimination is prohibited in employment and education. It is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of: Sex, Age, Race, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Political Conviction, Religious Conviction, Impairment, Family Responsibility or Family Status, or Sexual Preference.

What is affirmative action?

Affirmative action means taking measures to ensure that existing discriminatory barriers and behaviours are removed and that equal opportunity is promoted for all individuals.

What is discrimination?

Discrimination is broadly defined as treating one person unfairly over another according to factors unrelated to their ability or potential. Legislation prohibits discrimination on specified grounds. The legislation provides limited exemption for some measures, such as affirmative action programs, designed to achieve increased representation of groups historically under-represented in the workforce. Discrimination may be direct or indirect and may not always be intentional.

What is direct discrimination?

Direct discrimination occurs when someone receives less favourable treatment on the basis of characteristics or stereotyped assumptions which are not job- or study-related.

What is indirect discrimination?

Indirect discrimination occurs when policies and practices which appear neutral or fair because they are applied to everyone, have a different and disadvantageous impact on groups of people covered by equal opportunity legislation.