We do not tolerate discrimination at Hochschule Bremen!

We are a cosmopolitan and tolerant university that places the greatest value on prejudice-free interaction among all university members – students and staff alike. We utterly reject all forms of discrimination, intolerance and violence. Discrimination has no place at HSB!

We therefore take the current accusations most seriously and encourage everyone concerned to make any such experiences known to us so that we can not only investigate the individual facts and offer support, but also learn together how to prevent such occurrences.

HSB has always had a clear positioning and we systematically pursue the guiding principle of anti-discrimination developed by its members at all levels and in all areas of responsibility – in teaching and learning, research, continuing education and transfer. It decisively determines our daily actions in university administration and in our services. Nevertheless, we must never lose sight of the fact that we have to ask ourselves time and again whether we sufficiently meet the standards we set ourselves. The accusations that have been made are a renewed reason to ask ourselves what else can be done and what can maybe be improved on. In our view, this can best be achieved if we all work together – with the persons affected as well as interest groups and experts – in an open, trusting and accessible manner.

We not only take the experiences of individuals seriously, but also want to effectively develop our structures, processes and competences for a discrimination-sensitive and diverse university. The shared responsibility for respectful treatment of each and every individual and a clear stance against discrimination correspond to our values and guiding principles. We are therefore all the more concerned when we are approached with accusations of discrimination.

How can allegations of discrimination against HSB currently be reported?

HSB asks all persons who may be affected to contact the respective units. The following offer confidential advice for all university members:

• the Central Women's Representative
• the Decentralised Women's Representatives in the faculties
• the Women's Representative for non-academic staff
• the Staff Council
• the Representative for Disabled Employees
• the Advisory and Information Centre against Discrimination & Violence (ADE)
• additionally, students can contact the General Students’ Council (AStA) and the Central Student Advisory Service.
• Official complaints can be lodged in the complaints office in the legal department.

HSB has a duty to care for both its students and its employees. Insofar as malicious accusations or insults are levelled at identifiable members of Hochschule Bremen, we reserve the right to take legal action, for there is also no room at HSB for defamation and slander. In this regard, the Human Resources Department in particular, as well as line managers and group leaders and the Staff Council are willing to offer advice.

Further support and counselling services can be found on the HSB website. All counselling services act in strict confidentiality.