Strengthen diversity: University of Rostock takes a stand against discrimination!

Strengthen diversity: University of Rostock takes a stand against discrimination!

The University of Rostock has launched an important campaign for the winter semester 2025/2026 under the motto “Diversity – our common strength”. This initiative, which officially begins on October 15, 2025, aims to send a strong signal for an open, tolerant and solidarity-based university community. The commitment applies not only to the university public, but also to society as a whole.

The call for participation is clear: University employees and students are invited to take part in the campaign weekly with personal photos and statements. The campaign was initiated by important representatives of the university, including the Vice Rector for Research and Transfer and the Equal Opportunities Officer. Among the supporters is the university's rector, Professor Elizabeth Prommer, who will contribute to the visibility of diverse identities with her own image and statement. The results of this initiative will be made public via social media, the university website and in the university buildings.

Anti-discrimination and diversity

As part of this campaign, the AStA at the University of Rostock supports students who have experienced discrimination. The Department for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity offers confidential initial and referral advice to provide students with individual assistance in dealing with discrimination. Not only are individual cases dealt with, but preventative measures are also taken to actively counteract discrimination in the university environment.

The department also provides important information materials and promotes participation in university policy committees in order to develop support tools for potentially discriminated against students. Regular events include information lectures and workshops that deal with the topic of discrimination. The aim is holistic empowerment and the networking of those affected and interested parties. The email address is available for further information antidis.asta@uni-rostock.de available.

Diversity as the key to equal opportunities

This initiative fits into a larger framework: promoting diversity at universities is central to equal opportunities and educational success. Diversity makes it possible to integrate individual talents and multi-perspective experiences into science and research. Universities play a pioneering role in this social change and strive to ensure the equal participation of all members in all areas.

The “Diversity at German Universities” initiative supports educational institutions in developing individual diversity strategies. In 2024, the collected results will be presented in a final publication, which is intended to further advance the dialogue about diversity in university teaching. In addition to consultations and exchange events, the focus is on up to 33 projects that aim to offer best practices and insights into diversity work at universities. Funding is provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The exchange of these urgently needed diversity concepts is promoted through numerous events that bring universities together to share and discuss best practices.

If you have any questions about the campaign at the University of Rostock, please contact Dr. Kristina Koebe from the Institute for German Studies is available. She is available at +49 179 75 86 970 or by email kristina.koebe@uni-rostock.de reachable.