Equal opportunities
At Karlstad University, everyone should have the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to shape society and their own lives. A democratic approach, gender equality, and diversity are guiding principles in our activities and in the way we treat one another. Everyone is expected to contribute to a work and study environment that is inclusive, characterized by respect and encouragement, and based on the common core values of the Swedish public sector.
Karlstad University has zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, and other forms of offensive treatment. In accordance with the Discrimination Act and the Work Environment Act, the University continuously engages in preventive and proactive efforts through active measures.
Equal Opportunities is the umbrella term used by the University to describe all efforts aimed at promoting equal rights, opportunities, and responsibilities, and at preventing all forms of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, victimization, and exclusion.
You can read more about discrimination and harassment, and how to get support, on the page:
The University's Core Values
The University's work on equal opportunities is based on the common core values of the Swedish public sector, where respect, democracy, and human rights are central principles. This means that all everyday interactions, both among students and between students and staff, should be characterized by an open and inclusive approach.
Managers, teachers, and staff have a particular responsibility to contribute to a safe environment where everyone is treated with dignity and where offensive or inappropriate behaviour is not accepted.
Our Preventive Work
Equal opportunities also involve long-term development efforts. The University works continuously with active measures by identifying risks, analysing causes, implementing preventive initiatives, and following up on results.
This work includes areas such as the study environment, work environment, teaching, and accessibility. Gender mainstreaming is an integral part of these efforts, meaning that gender equality should be a natural component of planning and decision-making throughout the organisation.
Responsibility and Action
Despite ongoing efforts related to equal opportunities, gender equality, inclusion, and core values, situations may arise in which students experience harassment, discrimination, offensive treatment, or unfair disadvantage. In such cases, it is important to know that action must be taken, how it should be taken, and that it will be taken promptly.
When situations involving perceived discrimination, harassment, or offensive treatment occur, it is important that the educational provider becomes aware of them. No formal or written complaint is required from the person who has been affected. Information may be provided verbally by the person concerned, by another individual, or through direct observation.
The obligation to investigate begins as soon as the educational provider becomes aware that such circumstances may exist.
Investigation Procedures
Investigations must be conducted promptly, objectively, and in a legally secure manner, while showing respect for all parties involved. The investigator is responsible for keeping everyone concerned informed about the progress of the case.
The purpose of the investigation is to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, implement the measures necessary to stop any misconduct, and work proactively to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Further information about the University's work, case-handling procedures, and preventive measures can be found in: Discrimination, harassment and victimisation
Advice for Students Who Have Experienced Harassment or Discrimination
- You are the person who determines whether a behaviour or action is unwelcome.
- Respond immediately if you feel subjected to inappropriate treatment.
- Make it clear to the person responsible that their behaviour is unwelcome, or ask someone else to help communicate this.
- Seek support. You always have the right to receive help, advice, and support if you feel that you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or offensive treatment.
Who Can You Contact?
As a student, you can contact likavillkor@kau.se. You may also contact the University's Equal Opportunities representatives directly.
Maria Stodne Lidén
Student Contact Person, Equal Opportunities
maria.stodneliden@kau.se
Lisa Dalgren
Student Contact Person, Equal Opportunities
0701- 49 44 96, lisa.dalgren@kau.se
You may also contact:
- The Student Ombud at the Karlstad Student Union
- Your department (Course Coordinator, Director of Studies, or Head of Department)