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Race

The definition of race includes:

  • colour
  • nationality
  • ethnic origins
  • national origins

Protection on the grounds of nationality is subject to compliance with immigration rules.

In Northern Ireland the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origins and nationality, including belonging to the Irish Traveller community.

Racial hatred legislation

The Public Order Act 1986 contains specific criminal offences related to the intention of stirring up racial hatred or if someone is likely to stir up racial hatred. This includes threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, materials and public performances.

Higher education institutions will need to be mindful of this in relation to their role in promoting academic freedom, as reflected in the Education Reform Act 1988, and freedom of speech, as obliged by the Education Act (No.2) 1986.

In Northern Ireland the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 contains specific offences related to acts intended or likely to stir up racial hatred or arouse fear. This includes threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and materials.

Higher education institutions will need to be mindful of this in relation to their role in promoting academic freedom, as reflected in the Education Reform Act 1988, and freedom of speech, as obliged by the Education Act (No.2) 1986.