Calling out racism
July 29, 2020
Every Anglicare team member has the right to work in safety, free from discrimination.
The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 makes it illegal for any Australian to be treated unfairly or vilified on the basis of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin.
Racism is an ongoing problem in Australia with reports that 1 in 5 Australians experienced racial discrimination during the past year.
Anglicare is enriched by cultural diversity and we will not stand by if a team member is subjected to racism.
For example, a person who makes discriminatory demands about our service delivery will not be accommodated. Anyone who uses racist language at an Anglicare site will be asked to stop or to leave the premises.
Our stance is clear. Racism is illegal and Anglicare will take action to protect our team members from racial discrimination.
There are things all of us can do to if we witness racism. Don’t put yourself at risk, but if it is safe to do so, speak up and stand with the victim. When people speak out against racism, it makes the person being targeted feel supported, and can make the person being racist reconsider their behaviour.
If you see racist behaviour you can:
Speak up — call it out as racism, let the perpetrator know it is not acceptable
Support the victim — stand next to the person being targeted and ask them if they are ok
Take evidence — record the incident on your phone, take a photo of the perpetrator and report it to authorities.
If you are assaulted or threatened with violence, contact the police. In an emergency or life threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.
Image credit: www.australia.gov.au/helpstopracism
