University strengthens protection against harassment and violence on campus

The Senate of the University of Würzburg has adopted two new guidelines. These govern, on the one hand, the handling of sexual harassment, sexualised discrimination and sexualised violence, and, on the other hand, the handling of discrimination at the university. In doing so, the University is also complying with the requirement set out in the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act that higher education institutions adopt principles for protection against discrimination, sexual harassment and sexualised violence, and establish regulations governing the relevant procedures.

The aim of both guidelines is to promote the university’s identity as a safe, discrimination-free and violence-free place of study, teaching and work by raising awareness of these two issues amongst all members of the university and by implementing preventive measures. In particular, the guidelines set out procedures for intervention in specific cases, as sexual harassment, sexualised discrimination, sexualised violence and discrimination are not tolerated at the University of Würzburg.

Protection against sexual harassment

The first of the two guidelines defines a binding framework for protection against sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and sexualised violence within the academic community.

“In it, the University commits to a culture of respect and precisely defines which behaviours are considered to be overstepping boundaries and will be sanctioned,” emphasises Helga Stopper, the University’s Women’s Officer. Reports, including anonymous ones, can be made to the contact points via email, telephone or a low-threshold contact portal. A structured case management system ensures that those affected receive professional support through confidential counselling and anonymous reporting portals. This also applies to individuals against whom reports have been made, who can rely on the report being handled professionally.

To investigate incidents, the guidelines provide for the establishment of special intervention teams, which operate with strict confidentiality and determine whether there is sufficient factual evidence. If this is not the case, the case management process is discontinued. Otherwise, specific measures are proposed to the President, who makes the final decision. Possible consequences range, for example, from awareness-raising training to dismissal under employment law or expulsion from the university. The primary aim of the guidelines is always to ensure a safe learning and working environment for all members and visitors to the university through prevention and clear procedures.

Protection against discrimination

Protecting its members from discrimination on campus is at the heart of the University of Würzburg’s policy on principles for dealing with discrimination. Discrimination is defined as unjustified unequal treatment on the basis of characteristics such as ethnic origin, gender, religion or disability, and applies to all university premises.

To achieve these objectives, preventive measures are prescribed, such as internal and external training programmes, the establishment of a culture of open communication and accountability, and active support for initiatives aimed at eliminating discrimination and promoting equal treatment at the university. The appointment of anti-discrimination contact persons, who provide confidential advice to those affected, is also part of this catalogue of measures.

In such cases too, a structured two-stage case management process ensures that reports are handled professionally and that the protection of all those involved is a priority. If the evidence becomes substantiated, measures or possible interventions are recommended to the President, who then makes the final decision. These may include, for example, awareness-raising training or consequences under labour, civil service or academic law. Overall, JMU aims to foster a culture of respect in which action is taken against discrimination and prevention is actively pursued.

Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated

“The adoption of these two guidelines is of central importance to the University of Würzburg’s self-image as a discrimination-free place of study and work,” says Vice-President Anja Schlömerkemper, who is primarily responsible for equal opportunities, career planning and sustainability within the university’s management team.

Both guidelines reflect the university’s mission statement of a ‘culture of awareness’, in which mutual appreciation and respect form the basis of our interactions. The university is thus sending a clear message: ‘Breaches of boundaries will not be tolerated’, says Anja Schlömerkemper.

Links

The two guidelines

Joint website of the Sexual Harassment Contact Point and the Anti-Discrimination Contact Point

The contact portal

The contact centres’ websites and the contact portal are also available in English.