Discussion on non-discrimination, equal opportunities and diversity at the universities of the state of Brandenburg

The President of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg Prof. Gesine Grande, State Secretary of Science Tobias Dünow of the State of Brandenburg, Member of the State Parliament Sahra Damus (B90/Greens) and the Anti-discrimination Officer of BTU Prof. Alexandra Retkowski will discuss. The public event will be moderated by Sophia Wetzke from Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, radioeins.

In order to participate in a contemporary and forward-looking renewal of the State Higher Education Act, an alliance of Brandenburg trade unions, student representatives, equal opportunity officers and sustainability network has drawn up a list of demands. The aim is to anchor appreciative, responsible and democratic action at the state's universities in law.

Birgit Hendrischke, spokesperson for the State Conference of Equal Opportunity Officers at Brandenburg's universities, emphasizes the importance of these issues in particular and says: "Universities have a great responsibility to society. This is where the future is made, including in social interaction. We therefore demand clear signals in the direction of cultural change!"

The alliance has identified a total of five categories and formulated proposals for improvement for the amendment of the BbgHG. In a kick-off event at the University of Potsdam, the topic of "democracy and co-determination" was discussed.

The BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is participating in this series of events and invites all students, faculty and staff to actively discuss the draft law. All of the state's universities want to join forces to emphasize the Alliance's demands, especially with regard to the requirements for "non-discrimination, equal opportunities and diversity."Additional events at Europa Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and Universität Potsdam will follow.

Background The Ministry of Science, Research and Culture (MWFK) is planning a reform of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG). This law essentially determines teaching, studies and administration at the state's universities. The spectrum ranges from the right of students to have a say to the working conditions for employees of all status groups. Against this background, the relevant legal provisions are of crucial importance for all members of the universities.