Stabsstelle Chancengerechtigkeit
Diversity, Antidiskriminierung, Gleichstellung & Frauenförderung und Familienkompass
Here you will find an overview.
Team & Contact
Prof. Dr. Abiola Sarnecki, contact person for anti-discrimination and for people affected by anti-Semitism
Julian Keitsch, anti-discrimination speaker
Please feel free to contact us by email.
Students can report discrimination using a form on the website of the AStA Anti-Discrimination Department
Discrimination occurs when people are disadvantaged or treated unfairly on the basis of personal characteristics - and without an objectively justified reason. Such unequal treatment can occur in many areas of life, for example in studies, in the working environment or in everyday interactions at a higher education institution.
The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) forms the legal basics for protection against discrimination. Our higher education institution is also guided by these requirements and has developed its own anti-discrimination guidelines. Among other things, ethnic origin, gender, religious or ideological beliefs, age, sexual identity and chronic illnesses or disabilities are protected.
At the same time, society is becoming increasingly aware that other characteristics can also lead to discrimination. These include, for example, social or regional origin, responsibility for children or relatives in need of care as well as certain physical manifestations. These aspects are receiving increasing attention in the public debate on extended protection against discrimination.
Sexualized harassment, violence or discrimination includes any sexualized behaviour that is not desired by the person concerned. This includes, for example, sexist remarks, intrusive looks, showing or sending pornographic content, unwanted touching and even physical assault.
Such actions can be verbal, non-verbal or physical and have nothing to do with closeness or affection - they are an expression of abuse of power and boundary violations. They are particularly problematic in relationships of dependency, such as between students and teachers.
Discrimination can occur in different ways. Direct discrimination occurs when a person is directly disadvantaged on the basis of certain characteristics - such as their origin, gender or disability.
Indirect discrimination is often less obvious. It arises through regulations or processes that appear neutral at first glance, but disadvantage certain groups. Examples include insufficient accessibility or event times that are difficult to access for single parents. Such structures can particularly disadvantage people who are already less privileged in society.
Unequal treatment is not considered discrimination if it is objectively justified and serves a legitimate goal - such as special funding programs for underrepresented groups.
Counseling is confidential and can be provided anonymously or under a pseudonym if you wish. Nothing will be done without your consent.
You decide for yourself whether and what further steps should be taken. The anti-discrimination counseling service will help you to make an informed decision and, if you wish, will accompany you throughout the entire process. Only in a few particularly serious legal cases may it be necessary to pass on the information.