Offenburg University of Applied Sciences promotes equal and trusting cooperation between all university members and attaches importance to a good and conducive working and studying atmosphere. In such a climate, discrimination and sexual harassment have no place. You do not have to endure this and certainly not accept it. Have the courage to fight back. If you are unable to find a way out of your own individual situation - or if you observe this in others - the contact persons for questions relating to sexual harassment and for anti-discrimination will offer you trustworthy help and advice and will take appropriate action in response to the incidents.

Sexual harassment is any intentional, sexually determined behavior that is unwanted by the person concerned and has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the person concerned. This ranges from verbal comments to stalking and assault. The most important difference between sexual harassment and thoroughly desirable casual, friendly interaction is that the former is always unilateral behavior that is unwanted by the affected person. The decisive factor in determining whether an act is to be considered sexual harassment is exclusively the subjective feeling of the person affected.

Discrimination is understood to be the unjust disparagement and belittling of a person through derogatory remarks, jokes or actions on the basis of:

• the ethnic and/or
• social origin
• skin color
• ancestry
• permanent or temporary disability
• gender
• religious or ideological orientation
• political convictions
• sexual orientation
• age

Guide to Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Bullying

Other places you can contact are:

• AStA
• Staff Council
• Rectorate