Discrimination and hate speech

Discrimination is the act of treating people differently and unfairly based on personal characteristics. Hate speech and hate crimes are acts of hostility.

Discrimination

In Aotearoa New Zealand some types of discrimination are unlawful, such as when you are treated differently and unfairly due to your their sex (including pregnancy and childbirth), colour, religious belief, race, marital status, ethnic or national origins, family status, ethical belief, sexual orientation, political opinion, age, employment status, or disability, union membership or involvement in union activities.

The University also treats gender identity as a further prohibited ground of discrimination.

Hate speech and hate crime

Hate speech is communication that is motivated by a person’s hostility towards someone else as a member of a group that has a common characteristic, such as race, religion or sexual orientation.

Hate speech isn’t necessarily verbal. It can be images and symbols, and can occur online and offline.

Chalking and offensive posters can be examples of hate speech. Graffiti is also not tolerated on campus. Report these to Campus Security, 0800 842 8888.

A hate crime is an offence motivated by such a hostility.

Support in the community

VUWSA Advocates

VUWSA Advocates can provide confidential support and advice that is independent from the University, and free professional advocacy services to all students.

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission works to uphold Te Tiriti and human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Human rights in Aotearoa are protected through the Human Rights Act 1993, which sets out the grounds for unlawful discrimination, and the Bill of Rights Act 1990, which asserts that people have certain freedoms that Government and anyone carrying out a public function must observe.

The Human Rights Commission provides a disputes resolution service if you think your human rights have been breached or are concerned about hate speech.

Community Law Wellington

Community Law Wellington provides free legal advice at their drop-in sessions. Check their website for useful information about topics on which they can and cannot advise, as well as their calendar for times and topics of drop-in sessions.

Community Law Wellington is based in the city and also hold outreach drop-in sessions in some suburbs.