Freie Universität has a long history of successfully promoting diversity and dismantling inequalities. This dedication has resulted in several awards, for example, the Total E-Quality award for diversity (2017, 2021), and regular certification as a “family-friendly” university since 2007.

Freie Universität Berlin published its Diversity Mission Statement in 2013 – an important cornerstone of its diversity work. This mission statement was used as a foundation upon which to develop the university’s comprehensive Diversity Strategy and Action Plan. This plan outlines Freie Universität’s general approach to diversity and defines specific goals and measures for the future. It was externally evaluated and certified in 2023 by Stifterverband as part of the “Shaping Diversity” audit. Originally set out for the period 2021‒2023, the Executive Board recently voted to extend the Diversity Strategy and Action Plan to 2026.

An important additional step toward creating structures for governing diversity at the university was completed in 2024 when Freie Universität ratified and published its Antidiscrimination Policy. This policy is aimed at preventing discrimination, sexualized harassment, violence, bullying, and stalking of any kind at the university and provides a framework for effectively countering these forms of discrimination and ensuring equitable access to university life for all its members. It also provides the basis for important working structures in the area of diversity and antidiscrimination.

A system for conflict and complaints management is currently being set up as part of the work carried out by the Diversity and Antidiscrimination Office. In doing so, the Diversity and Antidiscrimination Office shall provide support and complaints services at its own discretion in accordance with Section 5b.3 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (Berliner Hochschulgesetz, BerlHG).

The Diversity and Antidiscrimination Office also offers confidential antidiscrimination counseling services for university members affected by discrimination.