Discrimination

Discrimination is any statement or action that aims to disadvantage or diminish the dignity of a person due to their origin, ethnicity, gender, age, language, social position, way of life, religious, ideological, or political convictions, or because of a physical, mental or psychological disability. Discrimination on racial grounds is also covered by the ban on discrimination.

The University of Basel does not accept discrimination in any form. The Regulations on the protection of personal integrity apply to all members of the university.

The University of Basel is committed to a learning and working culture that respects everyones personal integrity and aims to be a non-discriminatory place for everyone.

What does discrimination look like?
Verbal or written statements and acts of a derogatory nature
such as racist jokes, mockery because of sexual orientation, sexist depictions of individuals in presentations or videos

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”)

Unfair working conditions
such as unjustified refusal of equal pay or promotions, limitations of employment level or of working hours

Verbal or written statements and acts of a derogatory nature
such as racist jokes, mockery because of sexual orientation, sexist depictions of individuals in presentations or videos

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”)

Unfair working conditions
such as unjustified refusal of equal pay or promotions, limitations of employment level or of working hours
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 University of Basel. 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 University of Basel. All your concerns will be handled confidentially and you will receive support for taking further action.
What can I do if I observe discrimination taking place?
All members of the University of Basel have an obligation to actively combat discrimination.

Support the person affected
Demonstrate solidarity with the person affected. It takes courage to defend oneself against both obvious and subtle discrimination. Talk to the person affected if possible. Refer to the Code of Conduct.

Bring up the topic
Discuss conscious and unconscious discrimination within your team or talk to other lecturers in a training course about a discrimination-free culture.

Advise the person affected to contact University's Personal Integrity Office. University members receive confidential advice. People who contact the office decide for themselves what steps to take next.

All members of the University of Basel have an obligation to actively combat discrimination.

Support the person affected
Demonstrate solidarity with the person affected. It takes courage to defend oneself against both obvious and subtle discrimination. Talk to the person affected if possible. Refer to the Code of Conduct.

Bring up the topic
Discuss conscious and unconscious discrimination within your team or talk to other lecturers in a training course about a discrimination-free culture.

Advise the person affected to contact University's Personal Integrity Office. University members receive confidential advice. People who contact the office decide for themselves what steps to take next.
What can I do as a superior, supervisor or lecturer?
As a superior, supervisor or lecturer you have an obligation to ensure a work and study environment that is free of discrimination.

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
Discuss conscious and unconscious discrimination within your team and ensure that your courses are conducted in an open and respectful manner.

Refer to the Personal Integrity Office
You are required by the relevant regulations to make your staff aware of the advisory services of the Personal Integrity Office.

Do not look the other way
Advocate for your staff and students. Set up a personal meeting with the affected person if you suspect discrimination.

Get support
If you need advice in your specific role, contact the Personal Integrity Office.

As a superior, supervisor or lecturer you have an obligation to ensure a work and study environment that is free of discrimination.

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
Discuss conscious and unconscious discrimination within your team and ensure that your courses are conducted in an open and respectful manner.

Refer to the Personal Integrity Office
You are required by the relevant regulations to make your staff aware of the advisory services of the Personal Integrity Office.

Do not look the other way
Advocate for your staff and students. Set up a personal meeting with the affected person if you suspect discrimination.

Get support
If you need advice in your specific role, contact the Personal Integrity Office.
What can I do if I am accused of discrimination?
Listen
Listen carefully to your counterpart and try to put yourself in their place. Consider whether your behavior was appropriate in the relevant situation.

Talk to your counterpart
Open and honest conversation can be helpful. It is worth having a conversation in a public place such as a cafeteria. Alternatively, you can propose a moderated conflict conversation, e.g. with the Personal Integrity Office.

Rights of the other party
Accept that your counterpart has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.

Listen
Listen carefully to your counterpart and try to put yourself in their place. Consider whether your behavior was appropriate in the relevant situation.

Talk to your counterpart
Open and honest conversation can be helpful. It is worth having a conversation in a public place such as a cafeteria. Alternatively, you can propose a moderated conflict conversation, e.g. with the Personal Integrity Office.

Rights of the other party
Accept that your counterpart has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.