At Curtin, we are committed to eliminating racism and other forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, culture and religion.
If you need immediate support, see something that shouldn’t be happening or feel unsafe, contact the Safer Community Team by calling 08 9266 4444. In a life-threatening situation, contact the police on 000 or dial 0 000 from an internal phone.
Racism is when systems and policies, actions and attitudes create inequitable opportunities and outcomes for people based on race. Racism occurs when prejudice – whether individual or institutional – is accompanied by the power to discriminate against, oppress or limit the rights of others.
Racism can be systemic, institutional, societal or interpersonal. It can affect peoples from many communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Jewish communities, Muslim communities, Palestinian communities, Middle Eastern communities, African communities, South, Southeast, and East Asian communities, Pasifika communities and international student communities.
Anti-racism is the process of actively attempting to combat racist policies, practices, culture and ideas. It is about more than being ‘not racist’ and involves making active decisions that seek to combat injustice and promote racial equity.
Curtin does not tolerate discrimination or vilification towards any people or groups (or in any form). All students at Curtin have the right to be safe and be treated with respect, and to engage freely in academic discussion and critical thinking.
Find out more about your rights and responsibilities as a Curtin student in the Student Charter.
Here are some online resources to help you understand racism in Australia and learn more about being anti-racist:
If you’ve experienced or witnessed racism on campus, you can lodge a formal complaint through the Integrity and Standards Unit.
In 2024, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) commenced the Racism@Uni project (previously Respect At Uni), to examine the prevalence, nature and impact of racism in Australian universities.
Later in 2025, the AHRC will issue a final report with recommendations for addressing racism experienced by students and staff in Australian universities.
