The Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin has groundbreaking anti-discrimination and equal opportunities statute adopted. With this, the university is clearly positioning itself against all forms of discrimination, sexualized violence, bullying and abuse of power - and at the same time creating concrete structures in the area of prevention and intervention.
"We are sending a clear signal: discrimination, abuse of power and sexualized violence have no place at our university," emphasizes Beatrice Cobbinah, anti-discrimination and diversity officer and member of the complaints office. "We not only create binding regulations, but also provide clear advice and complaints channels that take those affected seriously and protect them. It is particularly important to us that all members of the university - from students and employees to lecturers - know where they can turn and that their concerns will be dealt with confidentially and professionally."
The new statutes follow a post-categorical understanding of discrimination: beyond the known categories of discrimination, they also cover other attributions and experiences that could be used to disparage. In addition, it also regulates the procedure for associated discrimination - i.e. when people are discriminated against due to a close relationship with people, for example parents of children with disabilities. Abuse of power is also explicitly mentioned in the revised statute.
"With the Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Statutes, we have added to the principles of values for working together and the protection concept for sexualized discrimination, harassment and violence we have laid a strong foundation for protection against discrimination at ASH Berlin. Now we need to transfer this to the university culture," says Peps Gutsche, Protection Concept Development Officer.
The revision of the statutes took place in 2024 by a working group of the Academic Senate and was made accessible to members of the university through accompanying Q&A formats. It implements the requirements of the Berlin State Anti-Discrimination Act (LADG) and the Berlin Higher Education Act and, in addition to transparent points of contact in the event of discrimination, also establishes structures for creating equal opportunities through preventive measures and in appointment and selection interviews.
If you would like to report incidents, make use of a counseling session or submit a complaint, you can do so via the online reporting form to do so.
