Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Racism@Uni Study findings released

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Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Racism@Uni Study findings released

The findings of the Racism@Uni Study have been released, following a nation-wide survey all Australian university students and staff  were invited to complete in September 2025.

The findings provide some concerning insights into racism experienced across the tertiary sector.

Conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education, the study is a sector-wide opportunity to gather further critical information that will help Australian universities, including RMIT, collectively reduce incidents of racism, support those who experience it and help create more inclusive and respectful environments.  

We are grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the survey or share their views. We realise that for many of you, it may have caused distress – please know that your contribution will help make RMIT a more inclusive place for everyone.   

RMIT was not given access to the study ahead of publishing and we will spend some time to reflect on the findings. We want to properly understand what the data says about the sector, RMIT and our community’s experiences. What is clear already is there remains more work to be done.

Anti-Racism Commitment and Action Plan

At RMIT, we take great pride in our rich, multi-cultural and multi-faith community. We stand firmly against racism in all forms and remain deeply committed to fostering an environment where every member of our community feels safe, respected, and a true sense of belonging.

We are developing an Anti-Racism Commitment and an Action Plan to address both systemic and interpersonal racism and religious discrimination within our community, and beyond.

RMIT’s Anti-Racism Commitment will affirm our values and responsibilities, while the Action Plan will outline practical steps to drive sustained change.

Following listening sessions with students and staff last year to gain powerful insights, we are progressing well and the findings of the study will further inform this work. We will launch our Anti-Racism Commitment and Action Plan soon.

We will share more information with our students as we launch, embed and bring to life this important commitment to eliminating racism and supporting our diverse community.

Support is available

Some of the findings of the study are distressing and may impact you and your community in different ways. Remember that a range of support services are available for you to access.

Above all, I ask that you continue to show respect, compassion and care for one another.

Professor Alec Cameron

Vice-Chancellor and President
RMIT University

Student support services

Safer Community – support for those personally experiencing unwanted, uncomfortable or threatening behaviour. This includes threats or hate speech, discrimination, assault, stalking, image-based abuse or family violence.   
Campus Security – immediate safety concerns or assistance on campus (+61 3 9925 3895 or in an emergency dial 000). Download the SafeZone app – it connects you instantly to Campus Security, First Aid, or Emergency support if you need it.  
SafetyNow – report safety incidents or concerns. Your username is your student email address (e.g.  s1234567@student.rmit.edu.au). Remember to select ‘yes’ to report a confidential incident.  
Student Welfare Advisors – support and advice regarding personal and academic concerns.

18 February 2026

Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Racism@Uni Study findings released

18 Feb 2026

The findings of the Racism@Uni Study have been released, following a nation-wide survey all Australian university students and staff  were invited to complete in September 2025.

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aboriginal flag float-start

torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures