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Racism

Definition overview

1 Definition

A person's race includes their:

  • colour; and
  • descent or ancestry; and
  • ethnicity or ethnic origin; and
  • nationality or national origin.

Racism is the process by which 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.

The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their race.

2 References

Australian Human Rights Commission Definition of racism

Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)

3 Definition Information

Approved Date

17/9/2025

Effective Date

17/9/2025

Record No

25/575PL

Failure to comply with this Policy or Policy Instrument may be considered as misconduct and the provisions of the relevant Policy or Procedure applied.

* This file is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Acrobat Reader may be obtained from Adobe. Users who are unable to access information in PDF should email policy@usq.edu.au to obtain this information in an alternative format.