Stand up against racism, prejudice and intolerance this IDERD
Each year on 21 March, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) invites us to reflect on our shared responsibility to stand against all forms of racism, prejudice, and intolerance whether interpersonal, everyday or systemic.
At Deakin, diversity is a core value and we are committed to anti-racism. In the spirit of allyship and solidarity, we encourage everyone to behave inclusively, deepen our understanding of each other’s experiences, and come together as a community to reject discrimination and hate.
Read on to find out more about IDERD, see some of the ways Deakin is working to stand against racism, and how you can call out discrimination where you see it.
Why is it important to celebrate IDERD?
The day commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa and reinforces a global commitment to human rights, dignity, and racial justice. Celebrating IDERD is an important reminder of the longstanding contributions, creativity and innovation of People of Colour; contributions that have often gone unrecognised or been overshadowed in dominant cultural narratives.
At a time when racism and racial inequality continue to affect communities globally, IDERD offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on these ongoing challenges and to strengthen our commitment to equity and inclusion.
Inclusion in action: Anti-racism work at Deakin
Research spotlight: Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS)
The Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS) is an independent think tank led by Deakin University, in partnership with Western Sydney University, Victoria University, the Australian Multicultural Foundation and the Centre for Multicultural Youth. CRIS conducts research across four key themes:
- challenging racism and enhancing social belonging
- building resilience to social harms
- youth, diversity and wellbeing in a digital age
- dynamics of social extremism.
A standout initiative is the Trust research program, led by Senior Researcher Mark Duckworth. This research reframes a critical question: instead of asking whether communities trust governments, it asks whether governments trust communities. This shift is informing new approaches to policy, service delivery and engagement, with findings now being translated into practical training modules to support everyday trust-building.
CRIS’s research responds to significant social shifts, including declining trust in institutions, online polarisation, algorithm-driven outrage, and the rise of misinformation and disinformation. Their evidence-based research helps inform strategies to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion.
Visit CRIS’s website to explore their research, resources and project outcomes.
National insights: Racism@Uni study
The Australian Human Rights Commission has completed a landmark study examining the nature, prevalence and impacts of racism within Australian universities. Deakin took part in the survey, which was distributed to all eligible staff and students in 2025.
The resulting report, Respect at Uni: Study into antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people, was released in February 2026. Deakin has received the findings and recommendations and is carefully reviewing them as part of our broader commitment to strengthening inclusion and social cohesion across our community.
You can read Deakin University’s statement on the release of Racism@Uni study.
Seek support or speak out against racial discrimination
If you experience or witness racism, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour, we encourage you to speak up. Deakin offers safe and confidential support and ways to report through Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers, Safer Community or Student Complaints. Your voice matters – and you’ll be supported.
Free and confidential support is also available for students at Deakin’s Counselling service.
Get in Touch
Want to learn more about anti-racism and social cohesion at Deakin? Reach out to the Equity and Inclusion team at respectbelongthrive@deakin.edu.au.