Redeemer’s University Policy On Protection Against Disadvantage For Reporting Discrimination

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Introduction

Redeemer’s University, as a faith-based institution of higher learning committed to the values of integrity, equality, and compassion, recognises the fundamental right of every member of its community to study, work, and serve in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation.

This policy establishes the university’s commitment to protecting all individuals who, in good faith, report incidents of discrimination or unfair treatment from any form of educational, professional, or social disadvantage.



Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Promote a culture of openness, fairness, and accountability where all members of the university community feel safe to report discrimination.
  2. Ensure that no student, faculty, or staff member suffers retaliation or disadvantage for reporting genuine concerns.
  3. Strengthen the university’s compliance with global standards on equality, diversity, and inclusion, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 — Gender Equality.


Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Redeemer’s University community, including:

  1. Students (undergraduate and postgraduate)
  2. Academic and non-academic staff
  3. Contract, temporary, and adjunct staff
  4. Visitors, vendors, and any individuals engaged in official university business

It covers reports made in connection with:

  1. Gender-based discrimination
  2. Racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination
  3. Disability-related discrimination
  4. Sexual harassment or misconduct
  5. Any other forms of prejudice, harassment, or exclusionary behaviour


Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University strictly prohibits any form of retaliation, intimidation, or disadvantage against persons who make or support a report of discrimination. Such protection extends to all aspects of university life, including but not limited to:

  1. Academic assessments and grading
  2. Access to scholarships, employment, or promotions
  3. Housing, welfare, and campus services
  4. Participation in university programmes or opportunities

Any action or omission that disadvantages a complainant or witness in retaliation for reporting discrimination shall be treated as a serious violation of university policy.



Reporting Procedures

  1. Reports of discrimination may be made through any of the following channels:

    • The Centre for Gender, Humanitarian and Development Studies (CGHDS)
    • The Office of the Vice-Chancellor
    • The Human Resource Department (for staff-related cases)
    • The Student Affairs Division (for student-related cases)

  2. Reports may be submitted in writing, verbally, or via confidential email channels.

  3. Anonymous reports will be accepted and investigated to the extent possible.

  4. All reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly and impartially.



Protection and Support Mechanisms

The University shall:

  1. Ensure that no complainant, witness, or investigator suffers academic or employment disadvantage.
  2. Provide counselling, mediation, or support through the Guidance and Counselling Unit or CGHDS.
  3. Take disciplinary action against any individual found to have engaged in retaliation or harassment.
  4. Maintain a monitoring and follow-up system to ensure that protective measures remain effective throughout and after investigations.


Responsibilities

  1. University Management shall oversee implementation and ensure that the policy is communicated across all departments.
  2. Heads of Departments and Units shall ensure that staff and students are aware of the reporting procedures and that complaints are addressed promptly.
  3. CGHDS shall provide regular awareness training and publish annual summaries (without personal identifiers) of discrimination-related reports and resolutions.


Review and Compliance

This policy shall be reviewed biennially by the University Management in consultation with the CGHDS, Human Resource Department, and Student Affairs Division to ensure continued relevance and compliance with national and international standards.

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