Discrimination

• 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.

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 Coordination Office of the University of Basel. All your concerns will be handled confidentially and you will receive support for taking further action.

All members of the University of Basel 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. You can practice different responses in our bystander training sessions.
   
• 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 Coordination Office of the University of Basel. Victims receive confidential support and are accompanied throughout subsequent steps and discussions.

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 Coordination 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 Coordination Office. For leadership coaching, contact the team at the Training and Development departement.

• 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 Training and Development departement to the victim.
   
• Victim’s rights
  Accept that the victim has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.