Diversity Day 2026: Thuringian Universities Take a Stand for Diversity and Democracy
German Diversity Day is celebrated across the country on 19 May. The annual event was first launched in 2012 by the Charta der Vielfalt (Charter of Diversity) with the aim of raising awareness for diversity in the workplace. With the theme »Demokratie braucht Vielfalt, Vielfalt braucht Demokratie« (Democracy Needs Diversity, Diversity Needs Democracy), Thuringian universities are once again joining the initiative – and for several weeks at that! From 18 May to 12 June 2026, the »Diversity-Tage an Thüringer Hochschulen« will feature a diverse programme centred around diversity and fighting discrimination.
The multi-university programme was developed by the »Netzwerk Diversität an Thüringer Hochschulen« with both online and in-person components. The programme includes addressing barriers and denial of accesses to higher education and academia, current support and advising services, and creating spaces for exchange and discussion. Participants will explore together how Thuringian universities can be redesigned as spaces for learning, research, and work where everyone feels welcome and included.
We invite all university members to attend the diverse range of events, discover new perspectives, and join in the discussion.
The »Diversity-Tage 2026 an Thüringer Hochschulen« programme includes:
Monday, 18 May 2026 | 3 to 4:30 pm | Online
Opening Lecture: »Demokratie braucht Vielfalt, Vielfalt braucht Demokratie« (Democracy Needs Diversity, Diversity Needs Democracy)
In this lecture, Tanja Berg explains why different perspectives enrich our society as well as our research and teaching. She also explains how universities, as open-minded spaces, actively shape democratic values.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 | 11:30 am to 1:30 pm | Mensa am Park
»Diversity at Bauhaus — Come by, talk and dine with us!«
The Diversity Department and other diversity initiatives at the University will be presenting their work at an info table in the foyer. Those interested can engage in discussions with the Diversity Officer, Diversity Guides, Awareness Team, and other groups over a shared lunch.
Friday, 12 June 2026 | 2 to 3:30 PM | Online
Interactive Lecture: »Verwaltung und Demokratie, kein Grund aufzugeben« (Administration and Democracy: No Reason to Give Up)
How can administration protect democracy while remaining politically neutral? This practical, interactive presentation and discussion by Doreen Denstädt, former Thuringian Minister for »Migration, Justiz und Verbraucherschutz« and founding member of the »Vereins Verwaltung für Demokratie e.V«, highlights the responsibilities that employees – particularly those in university administration – have when it comes to democratic processes. The lecture focusses on legal foundations, confidence in decision-making, and how to deal with anti-democratic threats in everyday administrative work.
The complete programme for »Diversity-Tage 2026 an Thüringer Hochschulen« can be found at: https://www.diversitaet-in-thueringen.de/diversity-tage
Questions can be directed to Dr. Michael Wallner, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Advisor, via e-mail at michael.wallner[at]uni-weimar.de or by phone at +49 (0)36 43/58 42 46