What to do in cases of discrimination?
If you experience or witness discrimination
Discrimination is not always easy to recognize or label. Yet it can have serious consequences for those affected, as well as for the academic, work, and learning environment at our university.
That is why it is important not to leave affected persons on their own, to stand up against discriminatory behavior, and to educate yourself about discrimination, diversity, and human rights. Everyone at the university can contribute to promoting a respectful and discrimination-free environment.
For affected persons: What can I do if I experience discrimination?
Prioritize your safety.
Not every situation can be addressed or resolved immediately. Your safety always comes first.
If you feel safe, there are various ways to respond. You decide for yourself what steps you would like to take:
- A clarifying conversation (if desired and if possible)
- Mediation
- Filing a formal complaint
- Seeking legal advice
Do not remain alone in this situation.
- Talk to someone you trust
- Use the counseling services offered by the university or external counseling organizations
Document the incident.
It is recommended to document the incident as soon as possible (date, time, location, people involved, and what happened). Save emails, chat histories, or other supporting documents. Documentation can be helpful if you wish to take further action later: this will help you better reconstruct what happened.
Template for Memory Testimony
Download
For supervisors and lecturers: What can I do if discrimination is reported to me?
Take it seriously and take action!
- Listen carefully and take the story of the affected person seriously.
- Handle any information entrusted to you with sensitivity. Also, inform yourself about the cases in which you are legally required to take action.
- Refer the person to the appropriate counselling opportunities and complaint offices at the university at an early stage.
- If you are unsure, seek counselling yourself.
As an employer, the university is legally obligated to protect employees from discrimination and to take appropriate measures to prevent and end discrimination.
Be a Role Model
- Promote a respectful, supportive, and inclusive learning and work environment.
- In your teaching practice, and daily work, consider different life circumstances and needs.
- Use training opportunities for diversity, anti-discrimination, and inclusive teaching.
- Actively advocate for equal opportunities, diversity, human rights, and democracy.
For colleagues and fellow students: How can I support?
First, prioritize your own safety.
Not every situation allows for direct intervention. You don’t have to put yourself in danger.
The internationally recognized “5 Ds of Bystander Intervention” method offers various ways to provide support.
Distract
Interrupt the situation. Ignore the person who is harassing, and engage directly with the person who is being harassed. Don’t talk about or refer to the harassment that’s happening. Instead, talk about something completely unrelated.
Delegate
Delegation is asking a third party for help with intervening in harassment. Ask others for support, such as lecturers, supervisors, colleagues, or security personnel.
Document
Documentation involves recording or taking notes on an instance of harassment. Always ask the person who was harassed what they want to do with your recording and/or notes. Never post it online or use it without their permission.
Delay
Speak with the affected person after the situation has passed. Ask how they are doing and whether they need support. Acknowledge that you observed the incident and perceived it as problematic.
Direct
If the situation is safe, you can intervene immediately and address the discriminatory behavior directly and clearly. Make it clear that this behavior is unacceptable. At the same time, you do not have to get into a long debate.
In addition
- Use the counseling services offered by the university or external counseling organizations
- Use training opportunities and educate yourself about diversity and anti-discrimination
- Advocate for a respectful, discrimination-free university environment, as well as for democracy and human rights.