www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Diversity
Diversity is the name given to lots of ways of being different. It covers:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Gender
- Sexuality
- Class or status
- Disability
- Any other sort of difference (for example age)
The idea of diversity is that is okay to be different in any of these ways, and that you shouldn’t be treated badly because of it. It means ‘different but equal’. People also say things like ‘equal opportunities’ or ‘equality’ when they talk about diversity.
If people think badly of you because you are different, this is called ‘prejudice’. When people are treated badly because they are different, this is called ‘discrimination’.
There are laws to protect people of different races and religions from discrimination, as well as people with disabilities. You also shouldn't discriminate against people because they are male or female.
Discrimination is just one way of acting against diversity. Sexism, racism and homophobia are other names for acting against diversity.
A lot of bullying can involve calling people names or treating people badly because they are different to the bullies. If a crime takes place because of this, it is called a hate crime.
Prejudice, discrimination and hate crime are not acceptable, whoever is doing them, and whoever they are done too. Reporting these actions, and raising awareness that it is happening are the best ways of making it stop.
Schools have a particular role to play in promoting diversity - not just stopping discrimination - and ensuring that students and teachers from all backgrounds can reach their full potential.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
