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Discrimination

Students examine the concept of discrimination and explore the difference between appropriate and harmful discrimination. Students discuss relevant Australian legislation and International law. Students choose an example of discrimination and write an exposition suggesting affirmative action.

In order to promote a more just society discrimination, which adversely affects the lives of so many people, must be recognised and addressed.

Appropriate discrimination
1. If you had the choice of a banana, a pear or some grapes to eat, which would you choose and why?
2. If you had to choose between buying blue jeans or black, which would you choose and why?
3. If you had to pick a book from the library to read, what type of book would you pick? Why would you pick that type rather than one on a different subject?
Help students understand that each of the above acts is one of discrimination, i.e. differentiating among various objects, and in each case it is possible to offer sound reasons for the action. It should be noted that none of these acts of discrimination is potentially harmful to other people.

Socially harmful discrimination
Ask students to identify other appropriate ways that they discriminate in their daily lives. Then proceed to explore types of harmful discrimination that are rooted in prejudices. Questions similar to the following might trigger discussion:
1. If you were starting a fashion or football club, would you open membership to both boys and girls?
2. If you were an employer and were hiring a new worker, would you hire someone twenty-five or fifty-five years of age?
3. Would you avoid being friends with someone because of their cultural or religious background?
4. Should children who are disabled be educated in separate schools?
There are many different issues that may be raised in discussion. Follow-up questions are important. Help students explore the stereotypes or prejudices that might lie beneath their rationalisations. Help students think about the effects on others.

Legislation
Download What is discrimination?
As a class read and discuss the information.In pairs students choose a Federal or relevant state act or policy dealing with discrimination and present a report to the class.Refer to:
Australian legislation and International law and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission- Frequently asked questions

Having explored acceptable and unacceptable types of discrimination students identify some examples of discrimination at school and discuss whether or not they are acceptable. Examples might include certain clubs, student positions, rooms or sports teams only being open to certain people.
· What reasons are given to justify this type of discrimination?
· Are the reasons legitimate?
· If not, what would be a fairer situation? Why would it be fairer?
· What affirmative action can be taken?
Using a logical structure students may write an exposition maintaining their point of view on one of the examples of discrimination discussed.

Additional classroom activities related to discrimination: SHIMAN, David and McLEAN, Barbara, 1991, The Prejudice Book- Activities for the Classroom

Australian legislation and International law
NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission- Frequently asked questions