Anti-discrimination work at the Viadrina

Discrimination

Viadrina is a place where diversity, respect and equal opportunities are fundamental values. Our mission is to combat and prevent all forms of discrimination. We support all students, staff and university members who experience or observe discrimination. Our services range from confidential counselling and support in reporting incidents of discrimination to awareness-raising and prevention measures.

Our work is aimed in particular at students and employees who are discriminated against and structurally disadvantaged on the basis of these actual or suspected characteristics:

Racist attributions (based on appearance, name, presumed origin or religious affiliation, etc.)
sexual orientation or identity
family responsibility for care
social background or status
age
health impairment, chronic illness, disability

If you need support or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you - committed, confidential and impartial.

Team & Contacts

Bettina Gebhardt (she/her)

Anti-discrimination officer

Office hours

by arrangement

Postal address:

European University Viadrina
Equal Opportunity Division
Große Scharrnstraße 59
15230 Frankfurt (Oder)

"Get involved!" - A campaign on anti-discrimination at the Viadrina

"Can you say something in your own language, it always sounds so funny!"
"But you don't look ill at all."
"That wasn't meant to be racist, it was just a joke."

Sayings like these - seemingly funny, cynical, intentional or simply thoughtless - are also encountered by many students and staff in a university context. Behind them lies everyday discrimination, sometimes one-off, sometimes repeated.

The psychological and physical effects, especially in the case of repeated experiences, can be fatal for the people affected. They manifest themselves, for example, in the form of stress, anger, fear, helplessness or inner tension, which can gradually develop into mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety or sleep disorders. In addition to forms of subtle and repeated discrimination in everyday life, discrimination that is structurally anchored in society plays a decisive role here. This is because it shapes people's opportunities and resources and thus influences the way they organise their lives. Experiences of discrimination in the university context can therefore not only affect the mental state of university members, but also have a negative impact on everyday university life and the rest of their biography. This is because the mental health and well-being of students and staff play are crucial for academic success, academic careers and good working conditions.

If you are affected yourself, you don't have to be alone in this experience. Come to us for anti-discrimination counselling, we will support you. If you observe discriminatory behaviour, no matter how subtle, seemingly funny or unconsciously expressed - don't look away, get involved and support the person affected.

Being exposed to discriminatory behaviour is stressful enough. However, having to experience fellow students or colleagues remaining silent and looking the other way can be just as frustrating and upsetting. Instead, it is important to draw the attention of a person who is behaving in a discriminatory manner and make it clear to them that this behaviour is hurtful and transgressive.

"Get involved!" is a campaign on anti-discrimination at the Viadrina. In summer/autumn 2025, our campaign blog will regularly publish articles on discrimination, our counselling services and how you can get involved.

The Viadrina should be a safe and fair place for everyone. We share responsibility for this.

To the campaign blog