| Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is committed to ensuring that no person within the university community is disadvantaged on the basis of gender, ethnic or social origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. |
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| (Preamble to the Anti-Discrimination Guidelines) |
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar therefore promotes a culture of awareness based on respectful interaction. In both study and work contexts, fairness, equal opportunities, appreciative communication and collegial behaviour among all members and affiliates of the university are actively fostered. This applies to cooperation as well as to dealing with interpersonal conflicts. The personality of each individual must be respected and their dignity protected. Any behaviour aimed at violating the personal dignity of others is unacceptable.
Sexual harassment, discrimination or violence refers to unwanted behaviour that is degrading, threatening, violent and/or discriminatory towards a person in connection with their gender or sexual orientation. Such boundary violations constitute an infringement of personal rights and an attack on the dignity of those affected.
Sexualised harassment, discrimination and violence are a specific form of exercising power and control, and of abusing power. They have nothing to do with sexuality as a fundamentally positive human experience. Perpetrators do not act (solely) out of sexual intention, nor are they seeking consensual sexual contact. Instead, they use sexual, sexually connoted or sexually charged expressions and actions to assert power and superiority. This is why we use the term “sexualised” instead of “sexual.”
Universities are characterised by dependency relationships, power asymmetries and structural discrimination. For this reason, sexualised harassment, discrimination and/or violence unfortunately form part of everyday life at higher education institutions. Women, as well as TIN* and queer persons, are most affected.
Discrimination can occur between individuals at different hierarchical levels (e.g. between students and lecturers, or between staff and supervisors), but also among peers (e.g. between fellow students). Discrimination is considered especially severe when it exploits dependency relationships or when personal or professional disadvantages are threatened.
Sexualised discriminatory and degrading acts can have far-reaching consequences for those affected. Both physical and mental well-being can be severely impaired. This, in turn, may significantly reduce performance and motivation in studies, work and private life.
Sexualised harassment, discrimination and/or violence may be verbal, non-verbal and/or physical, for example:
| 1 | When and where did the incident occur? |
| 2 | What form of boundary violation took place? Who crossed which boundary, and how? |
| 3 | Who discriminated against you, or what caused the disadvantage (e.g. a rule, regulation, policy)? |
| 4 | What happened, and in what sequence? |
| 5 | Were there witnesses or other persons involved? |
| 6 | Are there any pieces of evidence (e.g. letters, e-mails, photos, text messages)? |
| 7 | Have you already contacted other offices, and if so, what steps have been taken? |
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
IN CASES OF DISCRIMINATION:
All members, affiliates and guests of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar who have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, discrimination and/or violence have the right to seek advice (regardless of their gender) from the university’s Equal Opportunity Officer or her deputy. This is based on the university’s Guidelines for Protection Against Discrimination at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (in accordance with the German General Equal Treatment Act, AGG).
TINA MEINHARDT
Equal Opportunity Officer
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Tel.: +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 42 40
E-mail: tina.meinhardt[at]uni-weimar.de
DR. CHRISTIN SIRTL
Deputy Central Equal Opportunity Officer
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Tel.: +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 44 38
E-mail: christin.sirtl[at]uni-weimar.de
Please arrange an appointment by phone or e-mail.
In emergencies, e.g. in cases of immediate threat, contact the police without delay (dial 110).
| The core principle of every consultation at the Equal Opportunity Office is absolute confidentiality and partiality for those affected. |
| Consultations are initial and referral-based. We cannot provide professional psychological therapy or legal advice. |
| We will gladly work with you to develop strategies and next steps. We can also advise you on the possibility of a formal complaint under the AGG. |
| Nothing will be undertaken without your explicit consent. |
| You may bring a trusted person with you. |
| To some extent, depending on whether a formal complaint is filed, anonymous counselling is also possible. Further information on the formal complaint procedure can be found here. |
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