Bench set up as a sign against exclusion

A bench with a clear statement: Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences has installed a new bench on its campus, right next to the StuCa student café, as a sign against racism. "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 Bremerhaven Sinti Association.

The "Bank against Racism" can now be found in numerous German cities. You can also take a seat on it in Bremerhaven, for example in front of the Weser-Elbe Sparkasse bank in the Columbus Centre. The special feature: a section of the seat is missing on the right-hand side. This is intended to symbolise the motto "No place for racism". At Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Andreas Seegelken, Head of Building Management, took care of equipping the campus with such a bench: "The collaboration with the Bremerhaven Sinti Association was very straightforward. The transport was organised and a suitable place for the bench was found within a short space of time." The bench is currently being painted so that it can withstand the harsh Bremerhaven weather for a long time to come. A second "Bench against Racism" is planned to be installed on campus next year.

People from around 40 countries study and work at the "University by the Sea" - and not just in the English-language degree programmes. 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 Campus Justice and Diversity.