Show Respect, Promote Diversity, Work Together
»Semper Apertus.« Always open. In accordance with its motto, HeidelbergUniversity aspires to develop and harness knowledge and skills in a spirit of open-mindedness towards people and ideas and to pass these on to future generations.
In addition to providing equal opportunity for all people and promoting the compatibility of work and family life, Heidelberg University is committed to upholding the principle of diversity and equality, both inside and outside the University.
As part of the campaign »Zieh einen Schlussstrich« (draw a line) of the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts and universities in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Heidelberg University therefore sent out a strong signal for respectful and fair conduct towards one another and against sexual harassment, bullying, stalking and discrimination. To that effect, a resolution was passed in the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts and signed by the representatives of all forms of higher education as well as the Minister of Science, Research and the Arts, Theresia Bauer, in August 2021.
Activities, Events and Measures
The campus campaign “Heidelberg University – Show Respect, Promote Diversity, Work Together” was launched in spring 2021 with an idea contest for students.
In addition, researchers gave talks on the campaign's topics followed by discussions as part of an opening event in February that could be accessed digitally. There was also a university-wide survey, a talk on cyberbullying and a training seminar for personnel in executive positions in May, all dedicated to the topic. The campaign concluded in summer 2021 with the publication of an online tutorial.
Discrimination – A discussion from the perspective of anthropology and economics
For the first event of the campaign 2021, two young researchers took the stage: Sabine Mohamed, doctoral student at the Institute of Anthropology at Heidelberg University, and Dr Katharina Mader, professor at the Department of Economics, Institute for Heterodox Economics at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, discussed and shared their current research results on the topic of discrimination from their respective fields. Afterwards, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss further.
Talk on cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a topic that may not only affect students on social media. In her digital talk in February 2021, Tanja Kramper, the coordinator of victim protection at Mannheim Police Headquarters, shed light on cyberbullying and how to deal with it. Demonstrating what professional conduct towards one another can look like on social media, Tanja Kramper also shared practical experience from the Department of Crime Prevention at Heidelberg Police. Everyone who is affected by cyberbullying as well as students and all those interested in hearing about the topic were invited.
Film screening on International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day 2021, a screening of the documentary “Picture a Scientist” took place. In this film, biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks and geologist Jane Willenbring share their experiences in the sciences. From the beginning, they find themselves confronted with discrimination and have to fight steadily for recognition, respect and equal opportunity. The screening was followed by a discussion with researchers from the University. Dr Annika Guse (Biosciences, COS), Dr Christiane Opitz (Neurosciences, DKFZ) and Professor Christiane Schwieren (Economics, Equal Opportunities Commissioner of Heidelberg University), as moderator, took part in the film discussion.
University-wide survey on discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and stalking
In 2021, a university-wide survey aimed at students and employees at Heidelberg University was carried out. The survey focused on experiences of (sexual) harassment, bullying, stalking and discrimination.The aim of the survey was to identify definitions and measures as well as information from Heidelberg University on the topic and to record any existing areas of fear.
Talk on how to professionally deal with discrimination, bullying and stalking
This online event was primarily aimed at individuals with personnel responsibilities or teaching responsibilities and persons of trust, but it was also open to everyone who was interested in hearing about the topic. Dr. Agnes Speck and Charlotte von Knobelsdorff from Heidelberg University’s Equal Opportunities Office presented strategies and preventive measures in place at Heidelberg University and provided guidance to the participants (especially supervisors) on how to act in cases of discrimination, bullying or stalking. The speakers addressed points of contact, possible courses of action and relevant information on the topic. Afterwards, the coordinator of victim protection at Heidelberg Police, Tanja Kramper, shared her practical experience. Ms Kunkel (HR Division) and Ms Bruntsch (Law and Committees Division) were available for questions.
Online tutorial on how to professionally deal with discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and stalking
What are discrimination, harassment, bullying and stalking? What are the legal definitions of these terms? How are such actions punished? How does Heidelberg University deal with such actions? Who can individuals affected by discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying or stalking turn to and who can advisers contact for help? How can they receive support inside and outside the University? Which strategies, preventive measures and offers does the University provide in that regard? An online tutorial is dedicated to these questions and answers and can be viewed at the link provided.