Every student has the right to study in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from discrimination. This is not just an aspiration — it is a legal and institutional obligation at most institutions. If your experience doesn't match that, you have both the right and the means to do something about it.
What counts as discrimination or harassment
Discrimination is treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic — this typically includes race, sex, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy or maternity, among others.
Harassment is unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that violates your dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. It can come from peers, from staff, or from the wider institutional culture.
Microaggressions — comments or behaviours that may be subtle but are discriminatory in effect — are included in this. You don't need to have experienced a dramatic incident to have experienced something worth reporting.
Feeling unsafe on campus
If you feel physically unsafe — at any time, in any part of your institution — that's a serious concern. Report it to campus security, student services, or your student union. You can also speak to a welfare officer. If you feel unsafe in an immediate sense, contact security or emergency services directly.
For ongoing safety concerns (a location that consistently feels unsafe, behaviour from a specific person, inadequate lighting or security), report it formally to your student services or facilities team. These reports are what drive changes.
If you've experienced discrimination or harassment
You don't have to be certain before you say something
Many students don't report because they're not sure whether what happened "counts." You don't need to have a fully formed case. You can go to your welfare officer, student union adviser, or personal tutor and describe what happened. They can help you understand your options without committing you to a formal process.
Who to talk to
Most institutions have a dedicated person or team for this: a student welfare officer, a harassment adviser, a Dignity and Respect contact, or a Title IX coordinator, depending on your country and institution. Your student union almost always has an independent advice service that can support you through any process.
What to say
You can open the conversation simply: "I want to talk about something that happened to me. I'm not sure yet what I want to do about it, but I'd like to understand my options." You're not obligated to name anyone or make a formal complaint to have an initial conversation. Understanding your rights and options first is entirely reasonable.
Using feedback channels
If your institution uses StudentPulse or similar tools, the inclusion and belonging sections are appropriate places to flag concerns about the general environment — not personal incidents, but systemic issues. "I don't feel the classroom environment is consistently respectful toward students with [characteristic]" is the kind of signal that helps institutions identify patterns they might not otherwise see.
What to expect from a formal process
Formal complaints and investigations take time and can feel difficult to go through. Most institutions will assign you a support person and provide updates throughout the process. You're entitled to be accompanied by a student union representative at any meeting. You're also entitled to know the outcome.
Going through a formal process is not the only option. Informal resolution, mediation, and supported conversations are often available and sometimes more effective. Your support person can help you understand which route makes most sense for your situation.
If experiencing discrimination or feeling unsafe is affecting your mental health or wellbeing, please talk to someone. Your institution almost certainly has a counsellor or welfare officer there for exactly this kind of situation — separate from any formal complaint process. You deserve support, not just process.
