Anti-Discrimination
Osnabrück University is aware that universities are also places where societal power structures are reproduced, privileging certain groups while disadvantaging others. Therefore, the university critically examines its own role in exclusion processes and works towards reducing discrimination both at the individual and institutional level. The anti-discrimination work at Osnabrück University aims to support and protect individuals affected by discrimination by offering counseling and assistance. The main objective at the institutional level is to identify and dismantle structural and institutional barriers and disadvantages.
Discrimination occurs when a person is disadvantaged due to actual or perceived group-specific characteristics such as gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural or social background, disability, religion/worldview, age, or as a result of racist or antisemitic attributions. The term 'intersectional discrimination' refers to a form of discrimination that arises from the specific interaction of different characteristics (e.g. gender and disability). Discrimination never occurs as an isolated event but happens structurally in all areas of society.
Consultation
The Equal Opportunity Office offers confidential and, if desired, anonymous consultation to students, employees, and all other university members who have experienced or witnessed discrimination. The consultation focuses on the individuals seeking advice, their experiences, and their perspectives. Without any pressure to take action, we would like to support you in assessing your experience and informing you about possible next steps.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
The basis for our consultation is the anti-discrimination policy [German] (PDF, 159 kB). By adopting this policy, Osnabrück University makes clear that it does not tolerate any form of discriminatory or violent behavior. It is actively committed to protecting all university members and affiliates, as well as visitors and users of university facilities, from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and stalking at the university and in non-university work-related contexts. The policy strengthens the confidential consultation of those affected and establishes the complaint procedure.
In addition to anti-discrimination advice, the Equal Opportunity Office also offers advice in cases of experienced or observed sexualized discrimination, harassment and violence.
If you have experienced discrimination during your studies due to a disability or chronic illness, please contact the representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
As an employee, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the university's complaints office under the General Act of Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - AGG) in the event of discrimination.