8.2.3 – Does your university as a body have a policy on ending discrimination in the workplace (including discrimination based on religion, sexuality, gender, age)?
Institutional Policy on Anti-Discrimination
The University of El Oued has a clear, comprehensive, and legally mandated policy on ending discrimination in the workplace. This policy is enshrined within the Ethical Charter issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which is actively promoted, reviewed, and signed by all members of the university community.
Scope of the Anti-Discrimination Policy
The policy explicitly covers all major protected characteristics and applies to all members of the university community (Professors, Students, and Technical and Support Staff – ATS):
- Explicit Prohibited Grounds: The policy explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, social status, religion (creed), political views, disability, and illness.
- Students and Workplace: The policy extends protection to students and staff against discrimination based on gender, religious beliefs, political opinions, ethnicity or minority, social origin, illness, or disability, and explicitly includes protection against manifestations of racism and discrimination against migrants or on the basis of gender identity.
- Harassment and Hate Speech: The policy explicitly classifies Psychological, moral, or sexual harassment, sexist behaviour, and Hate speech (defined as expression that promotes, encourages, or justifies discrimination) as severe misconduct.
Review, Sanction, and Legal Compliance
The policy is not passive; it includes formal enforcement mechanisms:
- Mandatory Review: All staff review and sign the Ethical Charter containing these policies each year, with the latest review confirmed in 2025.
- Legal Basis: The policy is underpinned by the Constitution promulgated on December 30, 2020 (Article 37), ensuring the policy has the weight of national law.
- Sanctions: Violation of these rules, including discrimination, harassment, and hate speech, constitutes severe misconduct (faults of the 2nd degree or 4th degree misconduct) and must receive a fair sanction proportionate to the seriousness of the misconduct committed.
The University of El Oued maintains an institutionalized, legally binding, and regularly reviewed policy that is actively promoted to guarantee an inclusive and equitable environment for all.