1. Purpose
The Religion, Belief and Non-Belief Policy is the University of Derby’s (herein ‘The University’) student policy on religion, belief and non-belief.
2. Introduction
The University celebrates and values the diversity brought by its individual members and aims to create an environment where religious beliefs are welcomed and respected.
The University recognises the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. The right to manifest beliefs is qualified by the need to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
3. Responsibilities
The University seeks to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable, members of the University are informed of this Policy and any associated procedures. All members of the University are responsible for familiarising themselves with this Policy and its implementation.
4. Scope
4.1 The Policy applies to all members of the University community.
4.2 The Policy covers any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief but does not cover political belief. It also covers non-belief.
4.3 The policy is informed and guided by the following legal frameworks:
4.3.1 The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination, harassment and victimisation of people on the grounds of the protected characteristic of religion, religious belief or philosophical belief including those with no religion or belief.
4.3.2 The Public Sector Equality Duty
The Public Sector Equality Duty states that public bodies are required to show due regard to the need to:
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- Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Act
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- Foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
4.3.3 The European Convention on Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights states that
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- People have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change religion or belief, or to manifest that religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice or observance
- The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
4.3.4 The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 amends the Public Order Act 1986 and provides a new criminal offence of inciting hatred against persons on racial or religious grounds. The offence applies to words or behaviour that are threatening and intended to incite religious hatred.
4.3.5 The Human Rights Act 1988
In the UK the Human Rights Act 1988 provides for the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
These rights include the right to respect for private and family life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression and freedom of association. Under the Act there is also the responsibility to respect the rights of other people and not to exercise your rights in a way that is likely to prevent others from being able to exercise theirs.
5. Definitions
The prevailing test of a ‘belief’ as protected under the Equality Act 2010 includes that the belief:
- must be worthy of respect in a democratic society
- must not be incompatible with human dignity
- must not conflict with the fundamental rights of others.
‘Belief’ also includes belief systems related specifically to a lack of religious faith, but political belief is not specifically referenced by the Equality Act 2010.
6. Policy Statement
The University seeks to ensure that:
- Members of any religion or none are treated equally and fairly.
- Where reasonably practicable, appropriate facilities and services are provided to meet the religious needs of all students
- Students are consulted about the appropriateness of services and facilities provided.
6.1 Spiritual and religious issues
The University does not, as an institution, have any religious affiliation or endorse any particular denomination or faith. The University does have a historic relationship with the Church of England and is committed to making provision for a diversity of religious/spiritual expression.
The University recognises the commitment of individual students to pursue a spiritual or religious practice and actively.
6.2 Facilities and services
The University will, as far as is reasonably practicable, provide facilities and services that accommodate the obligations of those following particular faiths. All relevant staff will receive access to appropriate training and guidance in relation to religion, belief, and non-belief to carry out their responsibilities under this Policy. Both the University Chaplaincy and the Multi-Faith Centre are a resource for both students and staff in this regard.
6.3 Academic freedom
The University supports the free exploration, discussion and critique of knowledge and ideas as activities which underpin its core purposes of promoting teaching, learning and research. It expects staff and students to undertake such activities in ways that acknowledge and respect all forms of religion, belief or non-belief.
6.4 Student admissions
The University undertakes to ensure admissions procedures are carried out
consistently and fairly. Specifically, those administering the process are aware of their obligation not to discriminate against applicants in relation to the terms on which offers are made, and the grounds on which applications are rejected.
6.5 Teaching, learning and assessment
6.5.1 The University seeks to ensure that teaching, learning, and assessment are informed by an understanding of issues of equality and diversity in relation to religion, belief and non-belief. It recognises that religious festivals or other events of religious significance may coincide with assessment and timetabling requirements. As far as is reasonably practicable, the University will take steps to ensure that University examinations and major events do not coincide with obligatory religious observance.
6.5.2 The University further recognises that there is a variety of obligations placed upon those following particular faiths. Where practicable, the University will provide information and facilities and will seek to resolve clashes between compulsory academic activities and essential religious observances.
6.6 Support for students
6.6.1 The University will seek to provide support that is appropriate to the needs of students of different religious beliefs through the Student Services, supervisory system, and college welfare teams. It will ensure that supervisors, both academic and personal, are aware of this Policy and that they support students in their right to equality of opportunity in relation to religion and belief.
6.6.2 The University Chaplaincy and the Multi-Faith Centre are a resource for both students and staff in regard to the above.
6.7 Dress code
6.7.1 The University imposes no dress code and welcomes the variety of appearance brought by individual styles and choices of dress. The wearing of items in accordance with particular religious beliefs and associated cultural practices is seen as part of this welcome diversity.
6.7.2 Exceptions to dress code are:
6.7.2.1 In order to comply with Health and Safety requirements specific items of clothing such as overalls, protective clothing etc. may need to be worn. If such clothing is in conflict with a student's religious belief, the issue will be referred to the academic supervisor, with the aim of finding a satisfactory outcome.
6.7.2.2 Where examination candidates need to be identified in relation to university assessment procedures, the verification of candidates will be carried out sensitively and by appropriate, trained staff.
6.7.2.3 The wearing of slogans or symbols which cause distress may constitute harassment may be dealt with accordingly under the Code of Practice on Harassment.
6.8 Religious observance
6.8.1 The University will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable space for prayer, quiet contemplation, and ablution where practical and will provide information about this provision.
6.8.2 The University will also provide information on places of worship, services, and facilities, which are provided in the neighbourhood and region.
6.8.3 The University Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Centre are resources with regard to the above.
6.9 Food requirements
6.9.1 University undertakes to regularly assess the demand for food which meets religious or associated cultural dietary requirements, in consultation with the relevant religious groups, and will provide it accordingly in its catering and retail outlets.
6.9.2 The University will be sensitive to the needs of members of its community who do not consume alcohol and will provide alcohol-free catering and social spaces.
7. Sanctions
All members of the University community have the right to freedom of thought, All members of the University conscience and religion. However, if beliefs are promoted in a way that impinges on the rights and freedoms of others, this may result in disciplinary action.
7.1 Harassment or bullying on the grounds of religion or belief and non-belief will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the University Code of Practice on Harassment.
7.2 Failure to comply with this policy may be formally investigated under the University’s Disciplinary policy for staff (accessible on Staff Intranet) and Student Conduct Procedures.
8. Complaints
Students who wish to make a complaint under this Policy can seek help from the Union of Students. See the University's Complaints Procedure for dealing with complaints from students and student applicants. The University Chaplaincy and the Multi-Faith Centre can also be a source of advice and support in such instances.
9. Equality Analysis
An equality analysis (EA) has been conducted in relation to this policy. It is not expected that this policy will have adverse impact on a specific group or individuals. The EA will be regularly revisited, in line with any Policy review, or sooner if required.