What does Discrimination and Equal Opportunities in Schools mean?

It is important to recognise that people do not have the equal starting points and that they may experience discrimination and disadvantage on the grounds of gender, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual identity, age or socio-economic background. Sometimes, discrimination occurs directly and intentionally, but much more often, and more difficult to identify, it takes place indirectly. Promotion of equal opportunities in schools must therefore concentrate on individual needs and guarantee that all pupils are given the opportunity to develop in the best possible way according to their abilities.

In the last few years, the European Union has passed a number of directives prohibiting discrimination in relation to ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender sexual orientation and age.

Directive 2000/43/EC prohibits discrimination due to ethnic origin in the public and private sector in the European Union. The directive includes employment and goods and services.

Directive 2000/78/EC prohibits discrimination only in employment in the areas of disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or faith. A third directive (2002/73/EC) was passed as an amendment to Directive 76/207EEC putting in place regulations to achieve equal treatment between men and women.

In the directives, both direct and indirect discrimination are defined and prohibited. This research project will use the definitions for direct and indirect discrimination that have been developed by the European Union. The following definitions are based on the wording of the directives: