Dear Louise,
I agree that all the families should be made aware of your equality and
diversity policies by making a copy available to them or as part of the
information you generally provide to those providing accommodation. You
have a duty of care to your students to do what ever you can to ensure
they are not in an environment where they could be harassed or
discriminated against.
My understanding is that private landlords having lodgers sharing their
homes can choose whom to have, but there are alot of open minded people
who want the experience of having somebody from a different backgroup
etc. For the sake of the students, a flexible approach where you match
them with willing families would mean that they feel safer and likely to
be more supported. In relation to certain types of disability some homes
may be inaccessible or unsuitable for various reasons, hence the need
for checking out beforehand.
Regards
Anne Mwangi
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Louise Birch
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 1:55 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Equality Impact Assessment - Screening
Dear All
The University's Homestay guidelines are just being reviewed and a
screening
is to be carried out, looking at all six equality strands. Just incase
you
use different terminology, we use Homestay to mean where host families
within the local community have either UK or International students stay
with them whilst they are studying at the University (usually for short
periods of time).
Although general guidance is that host families and students should be
familiar with our equality and diversity commitment and policies, and
you
could argue that in effect the host family is providing a service, I was
wondering from a legal standpoint how adamant could we, or should we, be
if
someone states that they do not want a student who is of a particular
nationality or religion, or has a specific disability etc. Likewise if
a
student states that they do not want to stay with someone of a
particular
religion, gender or sexuality etc. In some cases there might be a
justifiable reason why this is being requested and other times in might
be
due to prejudices, but whether someone would admit to that or not, I am
not
sure. Regardless of the reason, as it is in respect of a private
dwelling I
would appreciate your viewpoints on this.
The ECU have said that they have some information on accommodation
generally
which they are sending on, but I also wondered whether anyone had looked
at
this already and would be happy to share their findings with me.
If anyone else is interested in this please let me know and I will
collate
and send on any info. I receive in (provided person sending info. is
happy
for me to do this).
Many thanks,
Louise
Louise Birch
Senior HR & Equality Officer
University of Chichester
Direct Tel: 01243 816046
Email: [log in to unmask]
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