The collection on the topic of racism set up as a book collection in the winter semester 2024/25 and summer semester 2025 was compiled by the Diversity Department as part of the 2024 »Rassismuskritische Universität« (racism-critical university) focus. The new acquisitions by the University Library expand significantly on this topic.
Racism is a phenomenon that affects society as a whole and is structurally anchored in the university system. Racism exists on several levels at the university. It ranges from derogatory or discriminatory remarks to a lack of support and understanding for those affected. It exists as a westernised and white-dominated academic perspective, in literature and topics chose, and as a lack of representation of BIPoC, especially among staff.
The literature collection offers introductory literature, such as exit RACISM (2020) by Tupoka Ogette and White Fragility (2018) by Robin DiAngelo. There is also additional literature on various theories and socio/geopolitical contexts (e.g. critical race theory, post/anti-colonial studies, indigenous and native studies), literature on various forms of racism (e.g. anti-Asian racism, antisemitism, racism against Sinti*zze and Rom*nja, anti-Muslim racism and Islamophobia), as well as literature on intersectional topics (e.g. Black feminism, race/gender/sexuality). Many of the books are available in English, their original publication language.
The selection of books and films are intended to stimulate and support dealing with the topic of racism in greater depth, to consider it in one’s own academic or artistic work, and to include it as a topic in seminars.
Further information on this topic can be found at www.uni-weimar.de/diversitaet.