Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia and National Student Ombudsman Unite to Stand Against Islamophobia in Higher Education
On the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) and the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) reaffirm their shared commitment to addressing racism, discrimination and religious intolerance in Australia, including within the higher education sector.
The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, stated that universities must remain places where every student feels safe and respected.
“Universities should be spaces where diversity is respected and where all students can pursue their education free from fear of discrimination or hate. Addressing Islamophobia is part of ensuring that our campuses remain places of dignity, safety and opportunity for everyone.”
Universities and higher education institutions should be places where all students and staff feel safe, respected and able to participate fully in academic life. Islamophobia, discrimination and harassment undermine this goal and can have serious impacts on students’ wellbeing, sense of belonging and ability to succeed in their studies.
First Assistant Ombudsman Sarah Bendall said:
“Today we recognise International Day to Combat Islamophobia, and the dedicated work of the Special Envoy, in addressing racism, discrimination and intolerance. Diversity enriches learning. Hatred and racism have no place in higher education nor in our broader community.”
“The National Student Ombudsman stands against Islamophobia. We support the work of the Special Envoy to address racism, discrimination and intolerance. We want to see a higher education sector that is safe, fair, respectful and supportive for all students.”
The Special Envoy welcomed the National Student Ombudsman’s role in ensuring that students have access to an independent avenue for support and redress when concerns arise.
The National Student Ombudsman is a free, independent and impartial body that considers complaints from higher education students about the actions of their provider. This includes complaints that may involve allegations of discrimination, racism, religious intolerance or other forms of unfair treatment. NSO staff handle complaints in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
Students who have experienced Islamophobia or any other form of racism or discrimination are encouraged to raise their concerns with their higher education provider in the first instance. However, if a provider does not respond in a timely, fair or reasonable manner, or where there are barriers to engaging directly with a provider, students can contact the National Student Ombudsman.