With the funding, the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) has acknowledged the university's commitment in the area of equal opportunities / anti-discrimination and the concept for the planned introduction of a progressive anti-discrimination policy. "For us, this is an excellent and encouraging form of confirmation that we are on the right track. A determined anti-discrimination policy sends a strong signal," says Dr. Mandy Boehnke, Vice President for International Affairs, Academic Qualification, and Diversity at the University of Bremen. "The HRK quite rightly sees universities in their position as social role models."
Discrimination continues to be an issue in higher education. "It is prohibited by law and yet at the same time a reality," says Nele Kuhn, head of Diversity Management in the Administrative Unit for Equal Opportunities / Anti-Discrimination. Discrimination stands in the way of academic success and academic careers, both structurally and individually, and distorts study results. "It makes people sick and prevents sustainable organizational development," Kuhn states. The University of Bremen has set out to use its voice and act on discrimination. With the project proposal "The New Anti-Discrimination Policy of the University of Bremen - Paths to a Discrimination-Sensitive University Culture” (Die neue Antidiskriminierungsrichtlinie der Universität Bremen – Wege zu einer diskriminierungssensiblen Hochschulkultur), the university is now looking to the future. A new anti-discrimination guideline is currently being developed at the University of Bremen, which is intended to have a preventive effect and – in addition to the official complaints procedure – outline additional low-threshold intervention options. It will be presented to the Academic Senate for discussion during 2023.
The introduction of this guideline is just as important as an intensive internal communication process. How can a thematic approach and a culture of debate succeed? How can diversity and anti-discrimination sensitivity and every university members’ ability to act be strengthened? The proposals in the submitted concept range from a short film and eLearning tool to a discrimination sensitivity day with "invisible theater" and a "diversity slam." The project team is also looking at measures and routines used to welcome new employees and students to the university. The financial resources for implementation are now available thanks to the funding.
Further Information:
https://www.hrk.de/themen/hochschulsystem/diversitaet/initiative-vielfalt-an-deutschen-hochschulen (in German only)
Contact:
Dr. Mandy Boehnke
Vice President for International Affairs, Academic Qualification, and Diversity
University of Bremen
kon3protect me ?!vw.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
Nele Kuhn
Diversity Management, Administrative Unit for Equal Opportunities / Anti-Discrimination
University of Bremen
nele.kuhn@vw.uni-bremen.de
