EOC: Reverse age ban on GATE

The EOC said “Though provisions have been made for continuing students over the age of 50 already enrolled in undergraduate programmes, the Commission is disheartened by this development and is of the view that the position is discriminatory.” While age is not a status under the Equal Opportunity Act, this law allows the EOC to make recommendations on status, and to this end the EOC has sent proposals to the Office of the Attorney General to amend the Act to include age among other things as a status ground.

The statement said the EOC trusts that the relevant action will be taken to include age as a status ground for protection against discrimination.Regarding GATE, the statement said, “The Commission is hopeful that this decision can be revisited and is willing to assist with developing solutions that are non-discriminatory”. The Commission is available to consult on this issue of discrimination and provide public education on the Act.