Support in cases of discrimination and harassment

Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, and offensive treatment is a fundamental principle at Karlstad University. As a student, you have the right to a safe, inclusive, and respectful study environment. Here you will find information about what you can do if you experience discrimination or harassment, what support is available, and how the University works with these issues.

Karlstad University is a public authority and is governed by several laws and regulations, including the Higher Education Act, the Higher Education Ordinance, and the Discrimination Act. The Discrimination Act aims to prevent discrimination and promote equal rights and opportunities. The University also has an action programme that describes how we work proactively and preventively, as well as how we handle situations in which students experience discrimination, harassment, or offensive treatment.

What Counts as Discrimination?

Discrimination is a legal concept defined by law and can take various forms, including direct or indirect discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or inadequate accessibility. It refers to situations where someone is disadvantaged or subjected to offensive treatment based on one of the following protected grounds:

  • Sex
  • Gender identity or gender expression
  • Ethnicity
  • Religion or other belief
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age

Read more about the protected grounds of discrimination, different forms of discrimination, and victimisation/offensive treatment here: Discrimination, harassment and victimisation

What Does the University Do?

When the University becomes aware of a situation that may involve discrimination, harassment, or victimisation/offensive treatment, an investigation is initiated. The investigation must:

  • be conducted promptly
  • be objective and legally sound
  • be carried out with respect for all parties involved
  • lead to any necessary actions and measures
  • contribute to preventing similar situations from occurring in the future

You can find more information about the University's work, how cases are handled, and the preventive measures in place in the University's Action Programme against Discrimination, Harassment and Offensive Treatment.

Read more about our preventive and proactive efforts here:

Tell Us!

Please let us know if you witness or experience situations that you believe may be discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate. You are the one who determines whether a situation or behaviour is unwelcome. If you feel affected, we encourage you to respond early and seek support.

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

Contact us and tell us about what you have seen, heard, or experienced. We are here to listen and help.

You can also email us at: likavillkor@kau.se.