21 March is the International Day against Racism.

It is not only on this day that Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, as a place of international exchange, stands for diversity and openness and distances itself from all forms of discrimination, marginalisation and xenophobia. In a joint declaration by the academic institutions in the state of Bremen in January, Rector Prof. Dr Dr Alexis Papathanassis affirmed: "Diversity, openness and humanity are at the heart of our progress, our success and our quality of life; both as an institution and as a society.  A culture with a future is a culture that is vibrant and open.  A resilient society is adaptable and inclusive.  A successful economy is one that benefits from a diversity of perspectives and the cross-fertilisation of ideas.  It is therefore not just an ethical and moral imperative, but also an intelligent and far-sighted investment."

People from around forty countries study and work at the "University by the Sea". The fact that it sees the diversity of university members as an opportunity and has found ways to use this potential for organisational development was recently awarded the "Shaping Diversity" certificate by the Stifterverband. The aim is to train the skills of all university members, break down barriers and make diversity visible at the university. "Diversity should be tangible at the university and viewed in a sustainable way. We want to create more links between people who are already working, teaching and researching on the topic in different areas," says Gudrun Zimmermann, Head of the Centre for Equal Opportunities and Diversity.

Even before they arrive in Bremerhaven, international students receive a lot of helpful information from the International Office to ensure a good start at the university. On site, they receive support with the necessary formalities, finding accommodation and other questions about living and studying in Bremerhaven. Joint excursions, events and parties help them to settle into their new country and university. In addition, students offer language and learning tandems as part of the "StudiTalk" peer-to-peer programme run by the Centre for Equal Opportunities and Diversity. 

As a visible statement, the university has set up a "bench against racism" on its campus, right next to the StuCa student café. "Bremerhaven has a long tradition of immigration and diversity. Our university is proud to be part of this tradition. We want to help ensure that the city remains a place where people from different countries and cultures are welcome. With the 'Bank against Racism', we are publicly setting an example against marginalisation of any kind. We are not only a place of learning and research, but also a place of encounter and international exchange," says Prof. Dr Dr Alexis Papathanassis, Rector of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. The bench was donated by the Bremerhavener Sinti-Verein e.V..