Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences participates in nationwide campaign

Freedom of research and teaching is a central pillar of democracy. Universities are places of free exchange, scientific curiosity and critical thinking. However, the current rise of right-wing populist forces poses an acute threat. Across Germany, universities are now sending a signal for an open, supportive and free culture of science and higher education with the campaign ‘Universities take a stand’ and are drawing attention to the anti-democratic influences that already exist. The campaign is supported by the Anti-Discrimination Network at Universities, the Diversity Network at Universities, the Federal Conference of Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities (bukof), the Network of Diversity Officers at Universities in Schleswig-Holstein and the Diversity Network at Universities in Thuringia.

Diversity is the foundation for expanding knowledge. Fairness is the glue that holds our social fabric together. Diversity is success. Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences therefore sees not only the diversity of its students, staff and teachers, but that of all people, as an enrichment and is committed to peaceful, open and non-discriminatory coexistence. Geopolitical developments and increasing scepticism and hostility towards science clearly show us how important it is in today's world to speak out and take a clear stand against discrimination in order to protect our democracy and the freedom and security of all people, regardless of their origin, gender and sexual orientation. For this reason, we are participating in the “Universities Take a Stand” campaign, once again sending a clear message against discrimination," says Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Alexis Papathanassis.

Discrimination can take many forms. According to the anti-discrimination policy of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, this includes situations in which a person is treated unfavourably because of their gender or gender identity, sexual identity, racist or anti-Semitic attributions, religion or worldview, disability, chronic illness, age, language, appearance, social status, pregnancy or responsibility for children or relatives in need of care. Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences has appointed confidential advisors who provide free, confidential and, if desired, anonymous initial counselling in cases of discrimination and exclusion, as well as sexual harassment and violence, and refer individuals to other counselling centres if necessary. Those seeking advice can also be accompanied by the confidential advisors to meetings at the discrimination contact point. ‘With the anti-discrimination charter, we have not only created a system in which those affected can report incidents confidentially and with low barriers to entry and are shown counselling and complaint channels and procedures, but we also focus on preventive measures in its implementation, such as further training to raise awareness among staff and teachers,’ says Gudrun Zimmermann, head of the Centre for Equal Opportunities and Diversity and Commissioner for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination at Bremen University of Applied Sciences.