The University of Kassel has joined the "Open for Diversity" initiative

University Chancellor Dr. Oliver Fromm and Michael Sasse from the "Open for Diversity" initiative signed an agreement to this effect. By joining, the university is now actively supporting the "Open for Diversity - United against Exclusion" initiative and is once again making it clear on campus that there is no room for discrimination. At the same time, the Kassel lecture series against right-wing extremism was launched, which takes place weekly and invites everyone to take part.

The cooperation has initially been agreed for a period of three years. As part of the agreement, the university supports "Open for Diversity" with campaigns and activities for diversity, tolerance and democracy. The initiative's door signs will also be displayed on university premises. These are available to all employees of the University of Kassel free of charge.

"A democratic and equal opportunity society needs committed people who stand up for it out of conviction. It also needs strong alliances from all areas of society that work together to promote tolerance and diversity in all its dimensions and to combat discrimination. I am therefore delighted that the university is now officially part of the initiative," says Dr. Sylke Ernst, Equal Opportunities Officer at the University of Kassel.

"As a civil society alliance, we have been working together with the University of Kassel on various projects for years," says Dagmar Krauße, spokesperson and coordinator of the "Open for Diversity - United against Exclusion" initiative. "We are all the more pleased to now have this relevant partner officially on board." Whether designing online discussion formats on relevant political topics, strengthening voluntary work in the "Diversity Booster" competition, which the University of Kassel has supported for years with expertise on the jury, or cooperating with the International Office's campus festival: the list of joint activities is just as diverse as the two partners. "The University of Kassel wants to contribute to our initiative as an organization, as an educational institution and with its academic perspective," says Krauße. "This will contribute to the further development of the initiative and is also a strong signal for diversity and democratic values in the region."

About the "Open to diversity - united against exclusion" initiative

In late summer 2018, people in Chemnitz were targeted because of their origin, religion or their commitment to democracy. The media spoke of "hunts" and shocking videos were shown. In October 2018, five companies based in Kassel - Hübner GmbH, the Schaltbau Bode Group, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Kasseler Sparkasse and Wintershall Dea - wanted to do more than just express their outrage and send a clear signal in favor of diversity. Showing that they are committed to values such as respect, tolerance and a willingness to engage in dialog - and that commercial enterprises need and benefit from this diversity. Together, they launched the initiative "Open for diversity - united against exclusion". Around 35 companies and organizations, including scientific institutions and Bundesliga clubs, are currently joining forces as partners under the umbrella of the initiative. They join forces and use joint networks. All information on "Open for Diversity" can be found at www.offenfuervielfalt.de.