"Universities Take a Stand" Campaign

Colleges and universities are places of openness, critical thinking, and the free exchange of ideas. These principles are inextricably linked to the core values of our democratic society. At the same time, academic freedom, diversity, and respectful discourse are coming under increasing pressure—for example, through political influence, the devaluation of scientific findings, or attacks on marginalized groups.

The “Universities Take a Stand” campaign draws attention to these developments and calls on members of the university community to actively advocate for a free, diverse, and democratic university culture. It is supported by a broad coalition of networks working in the areas of diversity, equality, and anti-discrimination.

The University of Siegen expressly supports these goals. For the university, however, taking a stand is not a one-time statement, but rather a practice lived out in everyday university life—in research, teaching, administration, and in interactions on campus.

The University of Siegen takes a stand—among other things, by:

• Signing the Diversity Charter
• Establishing the Office for Equal Opportunity
• Regular participation in programs such as TOTAL E-QUALITY and the Diversity Audit
• Awarding the Helge Pross Prize for outstanding achievements in family and gender studies
• Participation in the LRK Working Group on Resilience to Extremism
• Organization of action days (e.g., Orange Day, Diversity Day, Inclusion Day, Family Weeks, IDAHOBIT)
• Visible symbols such as displaying Progress Pride flags around IDAHOBIT and during Pride Month
• Continuing education certificate in “Gender & Diversity in Research, Teaching, and Administration”

• Involvement in networks such as the Diversity Network at Universities and the Anti-Discrimination Network at Universities

   

  By participating in the campaign, the University of Siegen highlights this ongoing commitment and invites all members of the university community to actively contribute to an open, supportive, and democratic university culture.