The Anti-Discrimination Office is an independent point of contact for all members and affiliates of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). We are committed to respectful, non-discriminatory coexistence on campus - regardless of origin, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual identity.

Our self-image
We work independently and confidentially in the interests of those seeking advice and those affected. Our aim is to empower those affected by discrimination and to support them in clarifying and overcoming their situation.

Our task
We protect against discrimination - through advice, support and prevention work. At the same time, we promote a culture of respect and diversity at KIT.

I need support!
If you feel that you have been discriminated against or if you are unsure: Get in touch with us - we will listen and help.

What is discrimination?

Discrimination means that people are disadvantaged or treated less favorably because of certain characteristics - whether overtly or subtly.

What does the law say?

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) protects people from discrimination based on:

• ethnic origin or skin color
• gender
• Religion or belief
• disability
• age
• sexual identity

Forms of discrimination:

• Direct discrimination: A person is directly disadvantaged
• Indirect discrimination: Rules or practices have a neutral effect but disadvantage certain groups.
• Structural discrimination: Discrimination anchored in organizations and processes.
• Intersectional discrimination: Overlapping of several forms of discrimination

Examples from the university context:

Example 1:
A student with a non-German-sounding surname repeatedly receives no feedback on applications for student assistant positions - although his German fellow students with comparable qualifications receive acceptances.

What has happened?
This may be a case of indirect discrimination based on ethnic origin.

Example 2:
A student with a visible disability asks to be allowed to write her exam in an accessible room. The lecturer replies that "she shouldn't make such a fuss".

What happened?
This is an example of direct discrimination based on disability, combined with a belittling attitude.

Example 3:
A transgender employee is repeatedly addressed by colleagues* with the wrong name and pronoun, although she has made this clear several times.

What has happened?
This is persistent discrimination based on gender identity - possibly also structural if there is no support from superiors.

Legal framework and guidelines

Legal basis

Several laws protect you from discrimination and ensure fair treatment in the university context:

• General Equal Treatment Act (AGG):
  Protects against discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity.
• State Higher Education Act Baden-Württemberg:
  Regulates the responsibility of universities for equality, participation and the protection of personal rights.
• Data protection and equality regulations:
  Safeguards your rights to confidential treatment and to fair conditions in your studies and career.

KIT internal guidelines

At KIT, binding internal regulations also apply, which shape respectful cooperation in concrete terms:

• Guidelines for Respectful Cooperation & Code of Conduct:
  These guidelines form the basis for fair, respectful and non-discriminatory living and working together at KIT.
  The Code of Conduct anchored therein defines clear expectations for the behavior of all KIT members in studies, research, administration and teaching. It commits to respectful interaction, active co-responsibility and standing up against any form of discrimination or exclusion.

• Procedures in the event of discrimination:
  Transparent steps for those affected on how to deal with incidents - incl. complaint options.

• Contact points and ombudspersons:
  Persons of trust at KIT to whom you can turn in case of problems - also independent of the anti-discrimination office.

We support you in understanding and exercising your rights!

Advice and support

Who can turn to us?
All KIT members: students, employees, doctoral candidates, teaching staff.

How does counseling work?

• You contact us - anonymously is also possible.
• We listen, clarify the situation together and point out possible courses of action.
• You decide for yourself how to proceed.

What we offer:

• Confidential discussions
• Information on rights and options
• Support with discussions or complaints
• Long-term support - if desired

Contact form | Office hours | Anonymous reporting option

Prevention work

Countering discrimination does not just mean reacting to specific incidents - it means actively working to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The Anti-Discrimination Office at KIT is therefore involved in structural prevention work to promote a non-discriminatory, respectful and inclusive environment for all KIT members.

Understanding of prevention

For us, prevention means

• Raising awareness of different forms of discrimination and power relations in everyday university life
• Empowerment of potentially affected groups
• Behavioral safety for all - through clear orientation, action knowledge and structural support
• Shared responsibility: prevention is the task of the entire organization, not just individuals

Our formats

We offer various educational, awareness-raising and training opportunities:

• Workshops and training courses
  z.e.g. for teaching staff, administration, tutors, student councils, managers or examiners - on topics such as discrimination-sensitive language, dealing with incidents, diversity and intersectionality.
• Information events & awareness formats
  z.e.g. action days, lectures, digital learning formats, exchange forums or podcasts.
• Materials and guidelines
  Practical aids such as checklists, argumentation aids, recommendations for action for various target groups.
• Advice on concept development
  z.e.g. in the design of discrimination-sensitive teaching formats, committee work or recruitment procedures

Interfaces and cooperation

Prevention can only succeed through cooperation. This is why we work closely with other stakeholders at KIT:

• Equal Opportunities Officer
• Representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses
• Personnel development & diversity management
• Student councils, AStA, departments
• Ombudspersons, KIT executives and faculties
• Presidential Board

Together we strengthen a culture of responsibility, of looking and acting against discrimination.

Reference to emergencies

In acute emergencies (e.g.threats, violence, imminent danger):
Please contact us immediately:

• KIT Security Service: +49 (0)721 608-44444
• Police / emergency number: 110
• Psychological emergency service Karlsruhe: 0721 18 25 01

We will be there for you afterwards to help you come to terms with what you have experienced and to arrange suitable offers of help.