Diversity Days: New space against discrimination inaugurated at the FernUni!

Diversity Days: New space against discrimination inaugurated at the FernUni!

On May 19, 2025, the FernUniversität in Hagen opened its first Diversity Days with a symbolic campaign. Rector Prof. Dr. Stefan Sturmer inaugurated a new bench on the so-called Red Square, which is referred to as the “square against discrimination”. This opening ceremony attracted numerous visitors, including Anna Stenz from AllerWeltHaus and Jana Singer from Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO), both of whom underlined the importance of the initiative.

The bench has a shortened seat, which serves as an invitation to take a stance against discrimination. Sturm also mentioned the results of a survey by the Department for Equal Opportunities, which was carried out in autumn 2024. This survey shows that a significant proportion of students experience discrimination due to their migration history and gender. Detailed results of this survey will be presented on Diversity Day, which will take place on May 27th.

Diversity talks and actions

In order to strengthen exchange within the university and promote awareness of diversity, Stürmer announced the introduction of “Diversity Talks”. These conversations are part of a comprehensive program that runs until May 27 and includes various promotions and offers. Barbara Bröker, the acting chancellor of the FernUniversität, emphasized the importance of these initiatives to create a fair and inclusive environment.

The “Bank Against Racism: No Room for Exclusion/Racism” project also receives support from the federal program “Live Democracy!”. In Hagen, this project is being implemented in collaboration with the AWO integration agency, the city's municipal integration center and the AllerWeltHaus.

Diversity as the key to progress

The issue of diversity is not only important in higher education, but is also heavily discussed at the political level. The federal government has established a holistic diversity strategy to achieve a cultural change in the federal administration and in companies with federal participation. The aim of this strategy is to promote diversity and make discrimination prevention a central part of the public service.

The strategy is based on the coalition agreement of the 20th legislative period and Article 3 of the Basic Law, which guarantees equality and protection against discrimination. All departments have signed the Diversity Charter, which recognizes and promotes diversity in the world of work. These measures aim to highlight the benefits of diversity for administrative workflows and results.

The Federal Government recognizes the challenges posed by the underrepresentation of certain groups in leadership positions. Organizational and personnel development measures are therefore crucial for the implementation of this strategy. These initiatives aim to create an appreciative and non-discriminatory working environment.

Staffing data collected annually includes aspects such as age, gender and regional origin to monitor progress in diversity. Promoting diversity extends through training programs and internships specifically designed for underrepresented groups.

The strategy, developed together with various stakeholders, including trade unions and civil society, is supported by regular monitoring and evaluations to ensure its effectiveness. Given that over 25% of the population in Germany has a history of immigration, the need for diversity and equal opportunities is becoming increasingly clear.

The combination of educational and political initiatives, such as those promoted at the FernUniversität in Hagen and by the federal government, paves the way to a more inclusive society.

For further information about the initiatives at the FernUniversität, please visit the website FernUniversität Hagen. Information about Diversity Days at other institutions, such as Diversity Day Takeover, can also be found on the website TCNJ. You can also read the federal government's strategy for promoting diversity on the website Integration officer see.