Discrimination

• 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

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.

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
  Bring up the topic of your culture of collaboration at a team or departmental meeting or talk to other teaching staff about a non-discriminatory culture in a further training course

• 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.

As a superior, supervisor or lecturer you 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.

• 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.

• Listen
  Listen carefully to the person potentially affected and try to put yourself in their place. Consider whether your behavior was appropriate in that special situation.

• Talk to the person potentially affected
  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 conversation with a third person such as the Personal Integrity Office.

• Rights of the other party
  Accept that the person potentially affected has a right to defend themselves. Do not pressure them.