General Legislation on Equality in Sweden
This new Act brings together seven older pieces of legislation that includes the Equal Treatment of Students at Universities Act. The new Act expands the grounds for discrimination, and covers 15 areas of society. Particularly relevant to education participation for university students and staff are: ‘educational activities’, ‘working life’, ‘labour market policy activities and employment’, ‘professional recognition’, ‘social services’, ‘financial support for studies’, and ‘public employment’. In the area of education, there is an emphasis on positive action to redress discrimination and inequalities:
‘In the area of education, there is now an option to impose sanctions against education providers that do not fulfil their obligation to take active measures. Education providers can be ordered to fulfil these obligations or risk having to pay a fine.’
In addition to the general equality and anti-discrimination framework, Sweden has a very strong and high profile on gender equality that is seen as a cornerstone of Swedish society, and with a dedicated Minister for Children, the Elderly and Gender Equality responsible for gender equality issues. Gender equality legislation covers the right to work and support oneself, the right to balance career and family life, and the right to live without fear of violence or abuse. But, it also covers qualitative aspects ensuring that the experience of both men and women are used to promote progress in all aspects of society.
You can read more on Gender Equality legislation and frameworks in Sweden here:
Higher Education Legislation
The laws and statutes that apply to higher education in Sweden can be found here:
The Swedish Higher Education Act (Act on Amendment of the Higher Education Act (2013:1117) & and associated Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen) Section 5 of the Act, promotes ideas of sustainable development, equality, justice and welfare:
- In the course of their operations, higher education institutions shall promote sustainable development to assure for present and future generations a sound and healthy environment, economic and social welfare, and justice.
- Equality between women and men shall always be taken into account and promoted in the operations of higher education institutions.
- Furthermore, in their operations higher education institutions should promote understanding of other countries and of international circumstances.
- Higher education institutions shall also actively promote and widen recruitment to higher education. Ordinance (2005:1208)
Read more about the Swedish Higher Education Act.
The Swedish Council for Higher Education is the agency responsible for the operation and governance of HE institutions, with responsibilities that cover: Admissions to HE, the production of tests, provision of support and information for prospective students, widening participation and preventing discrimination in HE, the evaluation of foreign education qualifications, the brokering of international exchanges, and the management & development of IT systems.
- See an example of how Umeå University adapted the Swedish Higher Education Act to a University in the Plan for Equal Opportunities at Umeå University [PDF 1016.88KB]