Explanatory Notes

Equality Act 2010

2010 CHAPTER 15

8 April 2010

Commentary on Sections

Part 6: Education

Chapter 2: Further and higher education
Section 94: Interpretation and exceptions
Effect

314.This section explains what is meant by terms used in this Chapter, such as “student” and “university”. It also makes it clear that the prohibitions in the Chapter do not apply to anything done in relation to the content of the curriculum. This ensures that the Act does not inhibit the ability of institutions in the higher and further education sectors to include a full range of issues, ideas and materials in their syllabus and to expose students to thoughts and ideas of all kinds. The way in which the curriculum is taught is, however, covered by the reference to education in section 91(2)(a), so as to ensure issues are taught in a way which does not subject students to discrimination or harassment.

315.It also gives effect to Schedule 12 which provides exceptions to the provisions in this Chapter.