Melbourne Law School Students’ Society (MULSS) Racial Equity and Anti-Discrimination Statement
MULSS Racial Equity and Anti-Discrimination Statement
The Melbourne Law School Students’ Society (MULSS) proudly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment for all members of our diverse community. We firmly reject racism and discrimination in all their forms—whether overt, systemic, or structural—and stand in solidarity with those who face prejudice, exclusion, or hate.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands on which Melbourne Law School operates, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and honour the land's rich history as a place of learning, storytelling, and community for tens of thousands of years.
We also recognise the ongoing and devastating impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their communities, and Country. As future legal professionals, we are committed to dismantling the systems of power and privilege that perpetuate these injustices, including those that disproportionately impact First Nations people through higher rates of imprisonment and legal system interaction.
Our Vision
We envision a law school community where students, staff, and visitors of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths feel welcome, safe, and empowered to thrive. As aspiring legal professionals, we believe in the transformative power of legal education to challenge inequality, promote justice, and build a society that reflects the values of equity, dignity, and respect for all.
Identifying Racism and Discrimination
Racism and discrimination manifest in multiple ways. On an individual level, they appear as biased attitudes, beliefs, or actions that harm or degrade others based on their race or ethnicity. On a systemic level, they are embedded in institutions through policies and practices that reinforce racial disparities and perpetuate disadvantage.
Identifying racism and discrimination requires critical reflection. It involves asking:
Are individuals being treated equitably, or are there patterns of exclusion and prejudice based on race or ethnicity?
Do systemic disadvantages or unequal opportunities exist, even if they are not always visible or intentional?
Recognising and confronting racism and discrimination means addressing both personal behaviours and the structural conditions that enable harm. We understand that these inequities are deeply intertwined with other forms of oppression, including those based on gender, sexuality, religion, and ability, and our response must reflect this complexity.
Our Commitment
The MULSS is dedicated to fostering a culture of anti-racism and anti-discrimination, which goes beyond passive opposition to active efforts to challenge and dismantle systems of inequity. We strive to ensure that all members of our community feel seen, heard, and valued. This commitment extends to amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and taking deliberate action to promote justice within and beyond our institution.
We acknowledge that achieving racial equity requires ongoing effort and accountability. Our society is committed to listening, learning, and adapting our initiatives to ensure they reflect the lived experiences of those we aim to support.
Reporting and Support Resources
If you experience or witness racism or discrimination, we strongly encourage you to seek support and report the incident. Resources available include:
Safer Community Program: https://safercommunity.unimelb.edu.au/
UMSU Legal Support: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/support/legal/
UMSU Advocacy Services: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/support/advocacy/
Melbourne Law School students are also encouraged to reach out to their student representatives, including Ethnocultural, Indigenous, Queer, and Disability Directors with concerns or recommendations.
Ethnocultural@mulss.com - Anika Khan
Indigenous@mules.com - Leroy Fernando
Queer@mulss.com - Alex Thomas and Josh Wall and
Disability@mulss.com - Mary Chan and David Minahan
Final Reflections
True equity requires collective action. As future lawyers and leaders, we bear a profound responsibility to challenge inequity wherever it exists. Together, we can build a law school community—and a legal profession—that embodies justice, respect, and inclusivity.
“Equity begins with action. By challenging discrimination and embracing diversity, we create a legacy of dignity, respect, and empowerment for all.”