Religious intolerance
Find information and resources about reporting discrimination or intolerance on the basis of religious belief or spirituality.
Our commitment
The department recognises, values and respects the cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual diversity of students, their families and the school community. We are committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination in NSW public schools.
How students can report religious discrimination or intolerance
Religious discrimination or intolerance refers to distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on religion, faith, belief or spirituality that impact human rights and freedoms.
Students experiencing religious discrimination or intolerance should speak to a trusted adult who can support them. This can be a teacher, school staff member, parent or carer. .
Speak to a teacher or school staff member
Students who experience or witness religious discrimination or intolerance should report it to their school. Students can make a report to any teacher or member of school staff. They can also call or email their school via the contact details on the school website to make a report.
Sometimes religious discrimination or intolerance has a racial element. Reports of racism can also be made to any member of staff or to the Anti-Racism Contact Officer at your school. For more information, see the reports of racism.
Access student mental health support
Experiencing or witnessing religious intolerance can have an impact on students. Information and services for students are available on the student mental health page and student wellbeing services page.
How parents, carers and community members can report religious discrimination or intolerance
Translated information is available on the translated Religious intolerance webpages.
Parents, carers and community members can make a report of religious discrimination or intolerance on behalf of a student with their consent, or if they have experienced or witnessed religious discrimination or intolerance themselves.
Anti-bullying information for parents and carers is available at anti-bullying resources webpages. Bullying is defined by three key features:
- it involves a misuse of power in a relationship
- it is intentional, ongoing and repeated
- it involves behaviours that can cause harm.
To learn more about bullying generally, visit the student anti-bullying pages.
Contact the school
Reports should be raised with the school where the religious discrimination or intolerance occurred. You can call or email the school via the contact details on the school website.
If you need an interpreter to help you to contact the school, please ring the telephone interpreting service on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. Tell the operator the school’s number and the operator will ring and get an interpreter on the line to help you with your conversation. You will not be charged for interpreting services.
Access parent and carer mental health support
Support for parents and carers can be found on the on the parent and carer mental health and wellbeing page and what support is available to parents and carers page.
Further support and guidance
Students, their families, carers, and community members are encouraged to raise concerns about religious discrimination or intolerance with their school initially. If you believe the issue is systemic or if you need additional support after speaking with your school, you may wish to contact the Department of Education.
For further assistance, you can access the Religious Intolerance Helpline by calling 1300 679 332. When prompted, let the operator know you are calling about religious discrimination or intolerance. Your call will be redirected to the helpline, which can:
- provide information about related policies and procedures
- impartially progress report resolution
- recommend appropriate support services
- refer reports to relevant areas
- assist those managing reports with advice, guidance, and learning resources.
To make a complaint
You can make a complaint by following the steps at the translated quick reference guide for making a complaint. A complaint does not have a review or resolution process. It is a pathway for students, parents, and carers to express their feedback or dissatisfaction. Learn more about complaints on the translated support persons and advocates page.
What can schools do to prevent religious discrimination or intolerance?
Professional learning and curriculum resources are available for schools to support the prevention of religious discrimination or intolerance.
- Professional learning that supports multifaith inclusion 2025 (PDF)
- Curriculum resources that support multifaith inclusion 2025 (PDF)
Information for department staff to report religious discrimination or intolerance (PDF, Staff Only) is also available online.