Religious Discrimination at University

Universities have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to treat students fairly, regardless of protected characteristics such as religion. Sadly, religious discrimination at university still exists, made worse by political and military conflict across the world, with far too many students experiencing this problem. Fortunately, the UK has robust systems in place to allow students who have experienced prejudice against their religion to seek redress.

At IBB Law, our specialist education lawyers are experts in discrimination law. We work with students to identify whether UK equality law has been breached and, where appropriate, support them in taking action, including a declaration of religious discrimination and financial compensation for religious discrimination. In some cases, we may be able to secure a swift resolution through universities’ complaints processes but we can also guide students through court action where necessary to ensure justice for students.

We are pleased to offer fixed-fee initial online consultations with our specialist education solicitors so you can find out if you have grounds for a claim and explore your options. If you require assistance after the initial online consultation meeting, we can then support you through any subsequent steps you choose to take.

You will also be delighted to read that we only help students and their parents. We do not act on behalf of universities or any higher education institutions. You can be assured that we will always have your best interests at heart of all that we do.  We spend our entire day in education law; we do not dabble. We are experts in our chosen field.   Our higher education law experts offer a safe pair of hands who you can rely on to protect your interests and advocate for your rights.

To learn about our extensive experience supporting clients across a range of education law issues, please read our Case Summaries and Case Studies.

How can IBB Law’s education law solicitors help you if you are experiencing religious discrimination at university?

Advice on grounds to claim discrimination based on religion

Knowing whether you have experienced religious discrimination can be hard to determine. It is also important to make sure you have enough evidence before raising a complaint with your university or pursuing court action.

Our experts can explore your circumstances with you and advise on whether you are likely to have grounds for a claim and, if so, what sort of evidence is required for a strong case.

We can also advise on other forms of discrimination in higher education.

Reporting prejudice against religion to your university

You will normally have to raise concerns about religious discrimination through your university’s complaints process. This gives your university the chance to investigate and take action to make things right. While this process does not always work as well as it should, in many cases, it can result in a positive outcome relatively quickly.

We can support you in preparing your complaint and assist in navigating your university’s processes, including helping you prepare for any internal university hearings that take place.

Making a university religious discrimination claim

In some cases, it may be necessary to pursue a claim for religious discrimination through the courts. This can be a complicated process, so having the right legal team in your corner can be highly beneficial. We are experienced solicitors who regularly take legal action in the courts on behalf of our clients.

Our experts can assist with building your case, making a claim and preparing for court. We can also provide representation for court hearings if required.

Our fees for help with university discrimination based on religion

To help you understand your situation and legal options, we offer a fixed-fee initial online consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors. You can explain your circumstances, provide documents for our solicitors to consider during your consultation and learn whether you may have grounds for religious discrimination and what steps you can take to address this, including financial compensation.

To arrange your consultation on religious discrimination, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators, on 01895 207 961 or email educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. They can send you a link to an online booking suite so you can select a day and time that is convenient for your fixed fee consultation.

If you require further support after the initial consultation meeting, we will advise you on the likely costs involved and what action is required. Should you choose to move forward with us, all costs will be agreed in advance, so you are in control of what you wish to spend on legal fees for a religious discrimination claim.  Our fees will depend on the precise work that is required and how long it will take to complete the work.

For more information on our education law pricing, please get in touch.

Common questions about religious discrimination at university

What is religious discrimination?

Religious discrimination is where someone is treated less favourably than others due to their religion. This can either be direct discrimination, where someone is actively treated worse, or indirect discrimination, where someone is disadvantaged due to their religion as a result of a rule, policy or procedure.

Other behaviours that can be classed as religious discrimination are harassment (bullying or mistreating someone due to their religion) and victimisation (treating someone worse because they have complained about discrimination).

What are some examples of types of religious discrimination at university?

There are many different examples of religious discrimination that students might experience in university.

Examples of direct religious discrimination might include refusing to admit someone to a certain course or module due to their religious beliefs or other situations where someone is actively excluded due to their religious beliefs (e.g. not being allowed to join a certain club or society).

Examples of indirect discrimination might include failing to accommodate religious practices, such as fasting or prayer requirements, as well as issues such as scheduling exams during religious holidays.

Bullying due to religious beliefs would be an example of harassment, which also falls within discrimination laws.

What laws protect university students from religious discrimination?

Religious discrimination in universities is illegal under the terms of the Equality Act 2010. The Act protects people from discrimination based on their religious beliefs, including both direct and indirect discrimination, as well as harassment and victimisation.

What should you do if you are experiencing religious discrimination at university?

If you are concerned that you have experienced religious discrimination or prejudice against religion at your university, you should first raise this through your university’s complaints process. Getting expert legal advice before you make your complaint may increase your chances of a successful outcome.

If your complaint does not receive the result you were hoping for, you may need to make an appeal of religious discrimination.  We can help you take all the necessary steps to address religious discrimination at university, including taking your case to court to ensure you get justice for religious discrimination. This can be a challenging process, so good legal advice is strongly recommended, from those who are experts.

What others say about IBB’s specialist education solicitors

“We can’t thank you enough for your expert assistance throughout this case and we particularly appreciated the clarity and kindness you showed in every communication. The matter could have escalated very unpleasantly except for your intervention, for which we are extremely grateful.”

“My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’

“From the outset, they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online, so I really feel understood and cared for.”

“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly, ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.”

“I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, and they are clear and concise regarding the fees.”

“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided with all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”

“IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the school sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.”

“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”

“Very empathetic and attentive to each individual client’s needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease.”

“IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.”

“Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the client’s outcome at the heart of what she does and has a track record for achieving good results.”

“Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.”

‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.”

“Focused and determined education team.”

“Celia Whittuck has a growing reputation in the area.”

“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”

“She is amazing.”

Celia has taken a particular interest in ensuring that the appropriate educational outcomes are achieved. Her commitment has been unwavering.”

“Celia Whittuck has been helpful, understanding, respectful and responsive.”

“Hi Celia.  To say I am so thankful and happy with this outcome is an understatement.  The best best news.  Thank you again.”

The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

Celia Whittuck at IBB is ranked by Chambers and Partners. Chambers and Partners say of themselves: “Our rankings are the most thoroughly researched and independent on the market. Each one is assessed by our dedicated team of experienced researchers using our unrivalled research methodology, which includes tens of thousands of one-to-one interviews every year.

“If you are buying legal services in the UK and need reliable recommendations on the best law firms and solicitors, our rankings, editorial and analysis will provide you with the information you need to make the most well-informed decision when it matters.”

Call today to discuss how we can help with religious discrimination at university

To find out more about how we can help with religion at university, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators, on 01895 207 961 or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. Kinjal and Rachael can explain how we can help you and also direct you to our online booking suite for you to book a consultation meeting on a day and time convenient to you, with one of our specialist education solicitors.