Vice President International Affairs and Diversity (VP3)
Diversity Thursday: Respekt! 2024 in review
An eventful year 2024 is coming to an end, and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight some important topics, events and happenings of the Diversity Management team at H-BRS. It has been a year full of inspiring initiatives and valuable encounters that have strengthened our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion. We are convinced that education and respectful dialogue are crucial to combating discrimination and fostering a supportive university community.
Anti-Discrimination Work at H-BRS
Special Commission on Anti-Discrimination
The Special Commission on Anti-Discrimination presented its report to the President's Office on 22 October, thereby officially concluding the work it began in June 2023. The findings will now be used to further develop the diversity system and complaints management of H-BRS. Did you know that the commission consisted of 13 internal university members from various departments and with diverse professional and personal perspectives? The Student Body was also represented. In addition, Professor Karim Fereidooni from the Ruhr University Bochum, who specialises in anti-racism and anti-discrimination, served as an external advisor.
Contact points in case of discrimination
On campus and online, you have certainly come across our campaign on the contact points in case of discrimination.
Our campaign shows how important it is to be visible on different channels. We want to emphasise our support for those affected and encourage them to seek help.
Human rights for all and for mutual respect
On 21 March, H-BRS took part in the International Weeks against Racism to set an example for diversity and tolerance and to take a stand against racism. In line with the motto of the weeks of action, ‘Human Rights for All’, articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights where displayed across the entire campus. Because racism threatens the human dignity this declaration guarantees.
Anti-Semitism und Racism
Anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism were this year's key topics. There were offers such as
- the workshop ‘#Anti-Semitism for Beginners’, based on cartoons and satirical texts (since yesterday on display in the library in Rheinbach!)
- the ‘Trialogue – a conversation about the Middle East conflict and its consequences for our coexistence’, which also provided space for controversial exchanges and emotions, as well as
- the lecture by Burak Yilmaz on his diverse work and personal experiences in the context of anti-Semitism and racism. As a guest speaker in the lecture by Prof. Dr. Derya Gür-Seker, he focused in particular on the role of the media and called for the developing visions of an inclusive society.
The high level of interest in these events reaffirms our commitment to continuing our efforts to provide spaces for exchange and collaborative learning in the coming year.
Democracy and Diversity
Did you know that the word ‘democracy’ comes from ancient Greek and is composed of the words ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratos’ (power or rule)? Democracy literally means ‘rule of the people’.
On 23 May, we organised an event on campus to mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the German Basic Law, better known as the German constitution. In addition to practical pocket-sized editions of the Basic Law, we provided a lot of information and the opportunity to engage in conversation.
A highlight was our joint demonstration for human dignity and democracy, which was organised in cooperation between the university management and the AStA (Student Union). Shortly before the European elections, we actively lived democracy and sent a strong signal for a diverse society. With the rally on 4 June, we broke new ground, as it was the first demonstration by the university.
The screening of ‘The Condor and the Eagle’ as part of the Bonn Filmfair also highlighted the importance of civil society initiatives for the common good.
Our inclusion assistance for students with chronic illnesses or disabilities continues to be in high demand. We are pleased this service contributes to inclusion at H-BRS.
Inspiration for Diversity
This year, there were many impulses through our series ‘Today is...’ and ‘Diversity Thursday’. Our popular format Viva Diversity opened up space for intercultural exchange: hundreds of participants came together at six Diversity Snacks and two International Sewing Bees.
Days for Diversity
This year's Respekt! Diversity Day took place on 16 and 17 October 2024. At the Sankt Augustin and Rheinbach campuses, our Respekt! Day brought together many interested people who wanted to inform and educate themselves, exchange ideas and network on diversity and sustainability. We are grateful that a total of 20 programme items were contributed and offered by university members.
With the Respekt! initiative, we want to continue to provide space for diverse perspectives and promote an inclusive society in which all voices are heard, thus strengthening our democracy.
How were you moved?
We would also like to hear your opinion! Among all those who email us by 19 January 2025, telling us
- which diversity topic interested you the most in 2024 and
- which diversity activities you consider important for next year,
we will hold a draw for great Respekt! prizes (1x Respekt! phone bag, 2x Respekt! mug, 5x Respekt! keychain, 5x Respekt! pocket mirror).
Please send your answers to respekt@h-brs.de. Your feedback is important to us as it helps us to tailor our activities even better to your needs.
We wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season and look forward to an exciting 2025!
Contact
Do you have any questions, comments or requests? Please feel free to contact us at respekt@h-brs.de.
Anlaufstellen
Diversity Management
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
E236
Opening hours
By appointment
Links
Weiterführende Links