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Deakin's commitment to anti-racism
At Deakin University, our strength comes from creating an environment where students and staff from multiple backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and religions can flourish and thrive. As a university that champions truth telling, we acknowledge the full history of Australia and the unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In this environment, racism – whether overt, systemic or subtle – has no place.
Acknowledgement of Country
Deakin University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of all the unceded lands, skies and waterways on which Deakin students, staff and communities come together. As we learn and teach through virtually and physically constructed places across time, we pay our deep respect to the Ancestors and Elders of Wadawurrung Country, Eastern Maar Country and Wurundjeri Country, where our physical campuses are located.
Social Cohesion Action Plan
Through our Social Cohesion Action Plan, we’re embedding anti-racism across every part of Deakin – from policies and learning to research and culture. This evolving plan engages our entire community in sustained, meaningful action. It includes:
- An all-of-community approach underpins the university-wide commitment to addressing systemic racism, aligned with the AHRC Anti-Racism Framework and the Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities.
- Policies and procedures reflect contemporary challenges and emerging trends, and are reviewed through a lens of racial literacy.
- Staff and students are aware of, and have access to, culturally inclusive, trauma-informed complaint and support mechanisms to recognise and respond to racism.
- Training and capacity-building programs are available to promote racial literacy and social cohesion across the entire University.
- Resources and communications centred on storytelling and enhancing racial literacy developed for staff and students.
- Communication platforms and online environments have clear guidelines and procedures for addressing racism and discrimination, while allowing for respectful debate.
- Delivery of social cohesion programs that reflect contemporary lived experience and are informed by research and best-practice.
- Knowledge and expertise shared through consultation with historically racialised communities serve as a foundational element in shaping and informing all outcomes articulated within the action plan.
- Workforce planning expanded to emphasise representation and culturally informed practices at every level, enhancing diversity through recruitment, onboarding and employment processes.
- Consistent process established for collecting and managing data on racism-related experiences, reports and impacts across the University by assessing existing complaints processes and enhancing methods for data collection and future reporting.
- The plan is regularly reviewed and updated based on monitoring, evaluation and any future policy and/or legislative requirements.
Terminology
To take meaningful action against racism, it’s essential to understand the concepts that underpin it – what race is, how racism works and what it means to be actively anti-racist.
Race
A social construct used to create hierarchies and privilege. While not based on biology or genetics, race has real-world impacts on people's psychological, social and material experiences.
Racism
Occurs when prejudice meets power, resulting in unequal systems, policies and outcomes. Racism is unlawful under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
Anti-racism
Active, ongoing effort to challenge racism in all forms. It’s more than being 'non-racist' – it requires deliberate action, reflection and a commitment to long-term change.
Speak out against racism
If you experience or witness racism, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour, speak up. Deakin offers safe, confidential reporting pathways through Student Complaints or Safer Community. Your voice matters – and you’ll be supported.
Indigenous strategy and innovation
Deakin is committed to advancing Indigenous self-determination, knowledge and leadership across all areas of the University.
Our roadmap for inclusion and empowerment.
Community-based education for Indigenous students.
Celebrating and integrating First Nations ways of knowing.
A central space for connection, support and collaboration.
Support for Deakin staff and students
A respectful, inclusive and culturally safe environment benefits everyone. Support is available for both staff and students on campus and beyond. Deakin staff can also receive free counselling through our Employee Assistance Program.
Build awareness, allyship and inclusive practice through Deakin’s training programs:
- Introduction to anti-racism: build foundational understanding of racism and anti-racist practices.
- Bystander intervention: build skills to safely and effectively respond to racism and discrimination.
- Unconscious bias: explore how bias operates and strategies to mitigate its impact.
- Inclusive language: receive guidance on respectful and inclusive communication.
For information on how to participate in these programs, please email the Equity and Inclusion team.
These key policies outline Deakin’s stance on equity, inclusion and respectful behaviour:
