Diversity is all about differences. We are all different – physically, socially, culturally and sexually. We are all equal no matter what our differences may be. As such we our rights and equality are protection by law.

Diversity means variety; it means a rich and vibrant culture. But not everyone values and respects the differences in society.

Children notice difference all the time, in everything, in everyone, everywhere. They need to know diversity is important, that equality is everyone’s right, and that difference should not be met with hostility, suspicion, envy or fear.

Prejudice & Discrimination

Discrimination and prejudice is when someone is treated differently just because of who they are. Anyone could experience discrimination and prejudice from an individual or from a business, a service, an agency or even a school.

Prejudice: Is mainly a negative feeling or attitude towards an other person, based on stereotypical assumptions, having no information or misinformation about them. Prejudice is about prejudgement - making up our minds about something or someone before we have any personal experience of or facts about it or them. Our prejudices may be influenced by our wish to conform and follow others, by our vulnerability, upbringing, family attitudes, friends or by ignorance.

Discrimination: Is a behaviour or action based on prejudice. Discrimination is the end result when someone is treated badly because they are different, and the reasons for this treatment are not relevant and cannot be justified. The term has legal status. Referring to unfair treatment (leading to unequal access to rights, resources, opportunities and power) based on membership of a certain group, which is usually defined in terms of race, religion/belief, gender, sexuality, disability etc.

Protecting your and your children’s rights

Although we’re all different we all have the right to equal respect, opportunity and justice, so there are laws in the UK to prevent discrimination on all levels.

You and your child are protected by the Human Rights Act, The Disability Discrimination Act, the Race Relations (Amendment Act), The Racism & Religious Hate Crimes Act and the Sex Discrimination Act.

If you feel that you or your child has been discriminated against, the local authority, local organisations and the legal system are here to help you.

Advice for parents & carers

• All parents have a right to expect a safe environment and support for their child whatever their individual needs, experiences or background.
• Schools are becoming more inclusive with diversity and equality expected in all areas of school life.
• You should expect every setting your child is in to have made visible commitment to equality and diversity. All should listen and act immediately if something happens or you have worries. i.e. racist incident, prejudice against disabled or special needs, lack of access to services.
• Ask your children’s school how they deal with racism and other forms of harassment, and ask them to talk through their policies with you.

The downloads below provide parents and carers with further information and contact details regarding specific equalities and diversity issues. You can also visit the ‘Children’s Rights’ page on this website for more information relating to equalities and prejudice.

Services which can help

There are many organisations specifically set up to give support and advice to parents, including parents of vulnerable children or children from minority communities.

Corporate Equalities

The Corporate Equalities Team within Brighton and Hove City Council can provide more information about equalities issues in the city.

Tel: (01273) 296805/296807

Partnership Community Safety Team

The Partnership Community Safety Team has a dedicated front line service dealing with all hate crime within the city. The caseworkers can offer advice and support to anyone who has experienced a hate crime and help them through the process of reporting it to the police.

Contact Tel: (01273) 294646 or visit the ‘Map of Services’ on this website for more information.

Sussex Police

Sussex Police work in partnership with the council to tackle all forms of hate crime and prejudice. They have specialist officers who can provide support and advice to anyone who has suffered a hate crime, e.g. racism or homophobia.

Tel: 0845 60 70 999 for all non-emergency calls or Tel: 999 in an emergency. Alternatively visit the ‘Map of Services’ for more information about the police.

MOSAIC

Tel: (01273) 234017

Amaze Helpline

Amaze works with parents and carers of children and young people with any special need, aged 0 - 19 years. They offer one point of access to information, advice and support about issues to do with education, social services, leisure, money matters, safety and health care etc. For more information parents and carers can visit the ‘Disabilities & Special Needs’ page on this website.

The helpline is open Monday to Thursday mornings from 9.30am - 12 noon and Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. The helpline offers advice and support to parents and professionals about any issue to do with children with special needs.  

Tel: (01273) 772289

Downloads

Young people: This download provides more information about the prejudice young people may face in our society and provides advice and information about what young people can do.

LGBT: This download provides more information about LGBT young people and provides advice and information about what young people can do.

BME: This download provides more information about BME young people and provides advice and information about what young people can do.

Refugees & Asylum Seekers: This download provides more information about refugees and asylum seekers young people and provides advice and information about what young people can do.

Religious Respect: This download provides more information about respect for different religions and beliefs.

For more information about disabilities and special needs see the ‘Disabilities & Special Needs’ page.

Links

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/

The Brighton & Hove City Council website can provide information about equalities issues within the city.

www.cre.gov.uk/

The Commission for Racial Equality works to promote a just and integrated society, where diversity is valued. The CRE use persuasion and their powers under the law to give everyone an equal chance to live free from fear of discrimination, prejudice and racism. Visit their website to find out more about them.

www.communities.gov.uk/

As a society, we need to ensure that individuals in the UK can take a full part in the social, economic and cultural life of our country. To help achieve this, Communities and Local Government is working to reduce inequalities and build community cohesion. Communities and Local Government's vision is of prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.

www.theequalitiesreview.org.uk/

In 2005 the Government announced a root and branch review to investigate the causes of persistent discrimination and inequality in British society. The Equalities Review was therefore established, jointly sponsored by the Equality Minister and the Minister for the Cabinet Office, and is set to report to the Prime Minister during 2007.

www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/

The Government believes that equality matters to everyone. It is not a minority concern. A successful society must make full use of the talents of all its members. This website therefore provides information about women and equality and aims to influence change to ensure equality for all women in our society.

www.parentscentre.gov.uk/

The Parents Centre is a direct.gov website which provides a range of information and advice to parents and carers regarding a range of issues including equality.

www.parentlineplus.org.uk/

Parentline Plus also offers a range of advice and information to parents and carers about a variety of issues including equality.

www.direct.gov.uk/

The Direct.gov website offers a range of information for parents and carers.