Discrimination
“Discrimination is any statement or action that aims to disadvantage or diminish the dignity of a person due, in particular, to their ‘race,’ gender, age, origin, language, religion, physical attributes, views, political beliefs or sexual orientation without any objective grounds for doing so.” (Personal Integrity Regulations, Ðǿմ«Ã½).
The Swiss Federal Constitution prohibits discrimination. . In accordance with this ethos, the Ðǿմ«Ã½ wishes to create learning, teaching and working environments that minimize discrimination.
The Ðǿմ«Ã½ does not accept discrimination in any form. Acts of discrimination will have legal and disciplinary consequences.
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What does discrimination look like?
- Verbal or written statements and acts of a derogatory nature
such as racist jokes, mockery of university members because of their sexual orientation, sexist depictions of individuals in presentations or videos, etc.
- Unequal treatment
such as disadvantaging someone for being pregnant, having physical limitations, or in assigning tasks to them; or assessing test results based on stereotypes (e.g. “women are better at listening,” “men are more technically skilled”), etc.
- Unfair working conditions
such as unjustified refusal of equal pay or promotions, limitations of employment level or of working hours, etc.
- Verbal or written statements and acts of a derogatory nature
such as racist jokes, mockery of university members because of their sexual orientation, sexist depictions of individuals in presentations or videos, etc.
- Unequal treatment
such as disadvantaging someone for being pregnant, having physical limitations, or in assigning tasks to them; or assessing test results based on stereotypes (e.g. “women are better at listening,” “men are more technically skilled”), etc.
- Unfair working conditions
such as unjustified refusal of equal pay or promotions, limitations of employment level or of working hours, etc.
- Verbal or written statements and acts of a derogatory nature
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What can I do if I am affected by discrimination?
You have the right to defend yourself.
- React as quickly and decisively as you can
Do not simply accept discrimination. You always have the right to object to unequal treatment.
- Put the events down in writing
Make a note of what happened, when, who was present, and under what circumstances.
- Get help
Contact the Personal Integrity Office of the Ðǿմ«Ã½. All your concerns will be handled confidentially and you will receive support for taking further action.
You have the right to defend yourself.
- React as quickly and decisively as you can
Do not simply accept discrimination. You always have the right to object to unequal treatment.
- Put the events down in writing
Make a note of what happened, when, who was present, and under what circumstances.
- Get help
Contact the Personal Integrity Office of the Ðǿմ«Ã½. All your concerns will be handled confidentially and you will receive support for taking further action.
- React as quickly and decisively as you can
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What can I do if I observe discrimination taking place?
All members of the Ðǿմ«Ã½ have an obligation to actively combat discrimination.
- Support the victim
Demonstrate solidarity with victims. It takes courage to defend oneself against both obvious and subtle discrimination. Talk to the victim whenever possible. There is no one right way to act in these situations. If you are unsure how, the is at your disposal.
- Bring up the topic
Bring up the topic of your culture of collaboration at a team or departmental meeting or talk to teaching staff about a discriminatory culture in a course.
- Organize help
Advise victims to contact the Personal Integrity Office of the Ðǿմ«Ã½. Victims receive confidential support and are accompanied throughout subsequent steps and discussions.
All members of the Ðǿմ«Ã½ have an obligation to actively combat discrimination.
- Support the victim
Demonstrate solidarity with victims. It takes courage to defend oneself against both obvious and subtle discrimination. Talk to the victim whenever possible. There is no one right way to act in these situations. If you are unsure how, the is at your disposal.
- Bring up the topic
Bring up the topic of your culture of collaboration at a team or departmental meeting or talk to teaching staff about a discriminatory culture in a course.
- Organize help
Advise victims to contact the Personal Integrity Office of the Ðǿմ«Ã½. Victims receive confidential support and are accompanied throughout subsequent steps and discussions.
- Support the victim
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What can I do as a lecturer or supervisor?
Employers and supervisors have an obligation to ensure a work and study environment that is free of discrimination.
What specific actions can you take?
- Be a role model
Treat all your staff and students fairly and do not favor anyone.
- Make it clear that you do not tolerate discrimination
Bring up the working environment in a team or departmental meeting. Enforce open and respectful interaction in your courses.
- Publicize drop-in centers
You are required by the regulations to make your staff aware of the Personal Integrity Office.
- Do not look the other way
Advocate for your staff and students. Set up a personal meeting with victims if you suspect discrimination.
- Get support
If you need to, contact the Personal Integrity Office. For leadership coaching, contact the team at the Leadership & Development departement.
Employers and supervisors have an obligation to ensure a work and study environment that is free of discrimination.
What specific actions can you take?
- Be a role model
Treat all your staff and students fairly and do not favor anyone.
- Make it clear that you do not tolerate discrimination
Bring up the working environment in a team or departmental meeting. Enforce open and respectful interaction in your courses.
- Publicize drop-in centers
You are required by the regulations to make your staff aware of the Personal Integrity Office.
- Do not look the other way
Advocate for your staff and students. Set up a personal meeting with victims if you suspect discrimination.
- Get support
If you need to, contact the Personal Integrity Office. For leadership coaching, contact the team at the Leadership & Development departement.
- Be a role model
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What can I do if I am accused of discrimination?
- Listen
Listen carefully to the accuser and try to put yourself in their place. Do not immediately become defensive.
- Talk to the accuser
Open and honest conversation can be powerful. It is worth having a conversation in a public place such as a cafeteria. Alternatively, you can propose a moderated conflict resolution with a person from the Leadership & Development departement to the victim.
- Victim’s rights
Accept that the victim has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.
- Listen
Listen carefully to the accuser and try to put yourself in their place. Do not immediately become defensive.
- Talk to the accuser
Open and honest conversation can be powerful. It is worth having a conversation in a public place such as a cafeteria. Alternatively, you can propose a moderated conflict resolution with a person from the Leadership & Development departement to the victim.
- Victim’s rights
Accept that the victim has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.
- Listen
Are you in need of advice and support?
Contact Dr. Cora Wagner, Head of Personal Integrity.
Further contact points and information
Non-university contact points:
- , Contact point BS and BL
Cantonal contact points:
University contact points: