What is a Microaggression?
The term 'Microaggression' describes commonplace daily verbal, behavioural or environmental slights, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative attitudes towards stigmatised or culturally marginalised groups.
Examples of Microaggression include:
- Microassault (Intentional)- Explicit derogations characterised primarily by a verbal or nonverbal attack meant to hurt the intended victim through name calling, avoidant behaviour, or purposeful discriminatory practices.
- Microinsult - Characterised by communications that ‘convey’ rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person’s (racial) heritage or identity. They are often subtle snubs frequently unknown to the perpetrator but clearly convey a hidden insulting message to the recipient.
- Microinvalidation - Characterised by communications that exclude, negate or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings or experiential reality of an individual
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination means treating people differently from others based on their protected characteristics, which are: race, gender identity, sex, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation. The different types of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 are: direct discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
What do I do if I've experienced microaggressions or discrimination?
If you are a student at the University, you can speak to the Standing Together team for support. You can make a disclosure via Report and Support, and a member of the team will be in touch.
If you don't want to speak to someone at the university, you can also access wellbeing support in the community:
- Qwell- Online support service offering online support as well as 1-1 chat based counselling with a qualified counsellor. Counsellors are available from 12noon to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends, every day of the year on a drop in basis. No referral is required- please visit their website to register.
- Togetherall- a free online mental health support community, available 24/7. Access a variety of courses and resources to help manage mental health. The platform is ran by trained professionals and allows users to share anonymously and receive support from others. No referral required- please visit their website to register.
Impact of Microaggression and Discrimination
Impact of Microaggression and Discrimination
The University of Leicester is committed to protecting freedom of speech within the law. This means students, staff and visitors can share and discuss ideas, even where others may disagree.
But if you feel you have been harassed or discriminated against, this is not ok and may be against the law. We are here to listen and support you.
You can disclose this to us via our Report & Support disclosure form, and we can provide you with support options