Bullying, harassment and discrimination

Bullying, harassment and discrimination can come in many forms and affect people in different ways. While you are at Murdoch, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect.

Bullying

Unreasonable and intimidating behaviour towards a person or group. It involves a misuse of power, ongoing and repeated behaviour and behaviour that can cause harm.

Bullying includes:

  • abusive, insulting or offensive language
  • behaviour or language that frightens, humiliates, belittles or degrades
  • criticism that is delivered with yelling and screaming
  • inappropriate comments.

Harassment

A behaviour that targets a person or group based on an attribute such as sex or gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, family and lifestyle.

Sexual harassment includes:

  • an unwelcome sexual advance
  • a request for sexual favours
  • an unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. 

Learn how we're working to ensure Murdoch is free from sexual harm.

Discrimination

Occurs when people are treated less favourably because of their sex or gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, family and lifestyle.

Racial discrimination may take many forms including threats, abuse, insults and taunts based on a person's race or a characteristic belonging to, or generally believed to belong to, a race.

Harassment does not need to be repeated or continuous; it can involve a single incident.

Don’t wait, tell someone

Let someone know

If you have any concerns you can raise them with your academic chair, your dean or the Equity and Social Inclusion Office.

Try to resolve the issue

For help with resolving a grievance or complaint you can contact an equal opportunity information officer.

Submit a complaint

If you are unable to resolve the matter you can lodge a formal complaint.

Keeping our community free from sexual harm

Learn more

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