This groundbreaking Study will provide an independent, comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and impact of racism in universities. Given the lack of comprehensive data and evidence, this Study is critical to building understanding and developing concrete solutions. The Race Discrimination Commissioner leads the Study, with support from the DoE and the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD). The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is also providing advice on issues related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students. The DoE has allocated the Commission $2.5 million for the Study. 1.1 Role of the Commission The Commission is Australia’s National Human Rights Institution. The Commission operates under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (AHRC Act) and federal laws that seek to ensure freedom from discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, intersex status and gender identity. The Commission’s role is to work towards an Australia in which human rights are respected, protected and promoted, finding practical solutions to issues of concern, advocating for systemic change and raising awareness across the community. Under the AHRC Act, the Commission has functions to: • promote an understanding and awareness of human rights and the public discussion, of human rights in Australia (s.11(1)(g) AHRC Act) • undertake research and educational programs and other programs, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for the purpose of promoting human rights (s.11(1)(h) AHRC Act) • report to the Minister as to the laws that should be made by the Parliament, or action that should be taken by the Commonwealth, on matters relating to human rights (s.11(1)(j) AHRC Act) • report to the Minister as to the action (if any) that, in the opinion of the Commission, needs to be taken by Australia in order to comply with human rights (s.11(1)(k) AHRC Act) • develop, conduct and foster research and educational programs and other programs for the purpose of: (i) combating racial discrimination and prejudices that lead to racial discrimination; (ii) promoting understanding, tolerance and friendship among racial and ethnic groups; and (iii) propagating the purposes and principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (s.20(c) Race Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (RDA)) 12