We at Freie Universität Berlin see it as our duty to respect and promote diversity. The Diversity Mission Statement published in 2013 is the cornerstone of our university-wide diversity strategy. You can find all information you need on different diversity-related topics and points of contact on our diversity website.

In an interview with campus.leben, executive vice president Verena Blechinger-Talcott outlined the core idea behind the diversity strategy: “We want to establish a teaching, study, and work environment that is accessible and where our members do not have to worry about discrimination as well as strengthen invaluable cooperative relationships and guarantee equal opportunities by reducing structural barriers.” You can read the full interview here (in German).

Anja Ahrens, an advisor at our office, and Professor Olaf Muthorst, the Representative for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses, are members of the Diversity Plenum. This allows us to advocate for measures to improve accessibility at Freie Universität Berlin within the framework of the ongoing Diversity Audit process (2021–2023). The most important goals and projects to promote diversity at Freie Universität Berlin are laid out in the Diversity Strategy and Action Plan. You can find an overview of the planned measures relating to disabilities, chronic illnesses, and health issues here.

We were also involved in the “Teaching and Education in 2030” strategy process. We participated in the “Diversity” working group and contributed to numerous measures related to equal opportunities, especially those for students at Freie Universität Berlin who have disabilities and chronic illnesses. You can learn more about the results of the strategy process in the “Teaching and Education in 2030” project report.

We are also involved in the working group of the Healthy Campus project to promote health and well-being among our students. According to the findings of the most recent Health Report undertaken at Freie Universität Berlin there was a significant increase in the number of students who suffered from depression (up from twenty-five percent in January 2019 to thirty-five percent in January 2021).

We support the “Nein heißt Nein” campaign. If you have experienced or witnessed sexualized harassment, discrimination, or violence, or you need more information about this issue, then you should reach out and seek support from a professional or institution specialized in this area. You can get confidential support from the university’s counseling services during their walk-in office hours. You can find further information on (anti-discrimination) counseling options at Freie Universität Berlin or external services here.