Anti-discrimination Services

Stralsund University of Applied Sciences is committed to provide a learn and work environment free from discrimination. Our anti-discrimination work and services contribute towards an open and tolerant campus culture, one that is characterized by mutual trust and respect.

Diversity, anti-discrimination and equal opportunities are issues relevant in most areas of university life and their realization requires a broad awareness as well as wide participation across all university bodies. The administrative department of anti-discrimination offers advice and support to departments, professors, colleagues and students.

News

Upcoming office hours:

Fri, June 9, 2023: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fri, June 23, 2023: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Individual appointments can be made via phone or e-Mail antidiskriminierung(at)hochschule-stralsund.de.

The support services are confidential. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

Anti-discrimination office: Building 1, room 134.

Services

If you are affected by structural inequality or if you experience marginalization, stigmatization or harassment on campus that you would like to address, I can offer confidential support based on your personal wishes and needs.

If you are looking for professional advice or feedback, I can offer expertise regarding anti-discrimination, equal opportunities or diversity, and can assist you with ideas on inclusive teaching or administrative services.

Definitions

In German, the word discrimination is used on the one hand to describe the legal term with its legal definition as well as, on the other hand, to describe a variety of everyday experiences. This can lead to misunderstandings as the former, narrow definition and the broader meaning of the latter term may not always overlap.

The everyday understanding of discrimination can include experiences of (micro-)aggressions, marginalizations and stereotyping. Any rules or inappropriate bahaviors that cause or reproduce significant and unwarranted power imbalances may be perceived as discriminatory in this sense.

The legal definition of discriminations can be found in § 3 of the General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz or AGG). The legislative text distinguishes in turn between direct and indirect discrimination. Direct meaning the discrimination is based upon a person's factual or assumed affiliation to legally protected groups or identities listed in §1 of the AGG; indirect meaning that seemingly neutral rules or directives cause severe disavantages to one or more of the legally protected groups or identities.

Anti-discrimination Work

Anti-discrimination work aims to bring positive changes on different levels.

On an individual level, anti-discrimination means providing support and counseling services as well as empowering those affected by structural inequality.

On an institutional or organizational level, anti-discrimination aims to realize equal opportunities, secure equal participation and to protect and prevent members from being discriminiated against.

On a societal level, a culture of anti-discrimination can bring about meaningful change in various areas, e.g. law, politics, history or media.

Merle Hoffmann

Antidiskriminierungsbeauftragte

Tel:

+49 3831 45 6780

Room:

134, Haus 1