Dear All,
We at Loughborough University are doing similar i.e. providing guidelines
based on the ACAS documents. Please, please note that there are a lot of
errors in the religion draft guidelines and some examples used leave a lot
to be desired. Do read the guidelines carefully and make sure your
university does not fall into the stereotyping that it contains. Examples
of this are:
1. Under the religious awareness section:
a.I found it highly offensive to refer to as Jains meal
as bland and tasteless.
b. I equally found the information of Rastfarianism
offensive for their stereotyping
c. Information on Sikhs is wrong etc. etc. etc.
2. In the main body of the guidelines where it talks of jewellry, ACAS
say to ask someone to remove something of relgious significant is indirect
discrimination. I have been in situations where the cross is allowed but no
other jewellry. This would then be direct discrimination.
3. The example given under the Religious Observances in the Workplace is
not a good one. Not being in a position to give someone, who is not from
the Christian faith, time off during the pre-Christmas rush signifies the
importance of one religion over all others. I am not sure this is what the
guidelines meant to say!!!!
I would ask colleagues to be sensitive to these issues and not take it for
granted that the draft guidelines are acceptable. Thought I would raise
these issues to draw attention.
Regards.
Kashmir Bolla
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lenny.Dalby" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 11:39 AM
Subject: Re: POLICIES ON RELGION AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Ferhat,
We have produced draft guidelines, one for SO and one for RorB, based
upon the ACAS guidelines. I am currently taking them through College
Wide consultation, before sending them through our committee system.
The guidelines will sit under the umbrella of our Equal Opps Policy,
alongside our EO in employment, race equality, disability, etc policies.
I have attached the ACAS guidelines that I based them upon.
If you still want to see a copy of our completed guidelines when they
are finalised, let me know and I'll email them to you.
Best of luck
Lenny
Equal Opportunities Officer
Ext. 7196
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nazir-Bhatti, Ferhat
Sent: 31 October 2003 11:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: POLICIES ON RELGION AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Dear Colleagues
As you will be all aware legislation on religion and belief and sexual
orientation will come in force in December 2003. I was wondering if
anyone has produced policies and or guidance to incorporate the
legislative requirements. Have you added this to your existing equality
policies or produced new policies. Grateful for any comments.
Kind Regards
Ferhat Nazir-Bhatti
Diversity Manager
Cranfield University
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