Collaboration started between HKU and Art. 1 to combat discrimination and racism

Reporting point for discrimination and racism

The aim of the cooperation between HKU and Art. 1 Midden-Nederland is to promote a safe, equal and inclusive environment to work and study at HKU, in which discrimination on any grounds is actively prevented, detected and tackled.

Everybody has a right to be treated equally, as established in Article 1 of the Constitution. If one is treated differently because of personal characteristics such as gender or ethnicity, this might count as discrimination, which is against the law.

For HKU, Art. 1 Midden-Nederland will serve as contact point to report discrimination. Staff, students and third parties can (anonymously) report to the Meldpunt Discriminatie (Discrimination Reporting Office), after which the report is handled by experts on discrimination. The complaint officers listen to the story, can mediate when necessary, and advise on possible follow-up steps. The reporter always determines if, and which, steps are taken, with the full safeguarding of privacy.

Meldpunt Discriminatie

Professionalisation in preventing discrimination

Judith Meijer, interim Chair of the HKU Executive Board states: ‘We are enthusiastic about this cooperation with Art. 1 Midden-Nederland and their experts on discrimination. Next to the independent, external discrimination reporting point, Art. 1 will advise HKU, train our staff and confidential counsellors, and help us strengthen the internal processes for reporting cases of discrimination. This makes HKU a safer learning and working environment.’

Bernice Calmes, Director of Art. 1 Midden-Nederland adds: ‘By deploying our expertse, HKU as an institute for higher education, is moving forward in preventing and combating discrimination. We look forward to the collaboration and to learning from and with each other.’