Responding to racism

Racism is discrimination or hatred directed at someone because of their appearance, colour, language, nationality or ethnicity.  All types of racism are unacceptable.

Credit: Multilingualism Research Centre

Racism can be direct abuse, such as someone saying “You don’t belong here”, and it can also be casual racism that includes:

  • excluding students from social events
  • treating students with less respect than others
  • racially insensitive comments or jokes.

Types of racism

Physical abuse

Physical force used against you that may cause harm or emotional trauma. Physical abuse can include:

  • Spitting, scratching or biting
  • Pushing, or slapping
  • Throwing object

Verbal abuse

Negative words and comments that label or humiliate a person. Verbal abuse can include:

  • Name-calling
  • Offensive comments about your appearance, accent and/or cultural activities

Online abuse

Racial hatred content, images, comments, and videos on websites and social media platforms. Online racism can include:

  • Offensive jokes about your appearance and accent
  • Abusive images and comments targeting a specific ethnic group
  • Intimidation or trolling

Find out how to respond to racism.

Support services

On campus support

  • Campus Security: The university campus is equipped with Emergency help points, which once pressed, contact Campus Security. For urgent assistance contact Campus Security by phone on +61 (2) 9850 9999.
  • Student Wellbeing: Offers mental health support and reporting mechanisms for harassment, misconduct and inappropriate behaviour that can be lodged anonymously. Contact Student wellbeing on +61 (2) 9850 7497 and download the MQ Wellbeing app.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Supports an inclusive and empowered student body. They offer workshops on developing cultural awareness and confidence in taking action as a bystander. Contact diversity and inclusion at respect@mq.edu.au.

International student support

  • My Legal Mate: A free multilingual app for Macquarie University students. It offers 24/7 support providing legal information relevant to you and is accessible in 7 different languages.
  • Redfern Legal Centre - International Student Legal Service NSW: Community legal centre offering free, confidential legal advice for international students. They offer online multilingual fact sheets.
  • Council of International Students Australia: Student representative organisation advocating for international students on a national level. They offer useful resources and information on student rights.

Other services

For more information view the Make a Stand Against Racism brochure [PDF 3.6MB].