University Complaints Office for Discrimination Cases
University members can submit formal complaints for cases of discrimination to the University Complaints Office (Beschwerdestelle). The University Complaints Office will then review the issue. If the allegation of discrimination is confirmed, the University Complaints Office will propose appropriate measures or sanctions. The University Complaints Office operates based on the »Allgemeinen Gleichbehandlungsgesetzes« (general law on equal treatment) and the »Richtlinie zum Schutz vor Benachteiligungen nach dem Allgemeinen Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar« (Regulations on the Protection Against Discrimination in Accordance with the General Law on Equal Treatment at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar). The Office receives complaints based on the legal provisions, in particular regarding racial discrimination, discrimination based on ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity.
We strongly recommend that you contact one of the counselling service centres as a first step before initiating a formal complaints procedure.
The University Complaints Office procedures are outlined in the »Verfahrensordnung« (Rules of Conduct) (currently being finalised).
What is the difference between the counselling service centres and the University Complaints Office for discrimination cases?
The counselling service centres provide individual and objective advice and support to those affected. They help to establish protective measures and strategies based on personal autonomy and empowerment. In necessary cases, they refer affected individuals to other internal and external counselling services, accompany them to meetings or organise mediation. All counsellors are bound to confidentiality. All information is treated as confidential. Counselling sessions may take place anonymously. Additional steps are only taken with the consent of and at the request of the affected individual.
The University Complaints Office for discrimination cases investigates incoming complaints objectively and neutrally. This may include examining documents, files and submitted evidence, as well as interviewing named witnesses. The individual against whom the complaint is directed is also given the opportunity to make a statement. As soon as a complaint has been received by the University Complaints Office, the Office is obliged to investigate the claim. The information is treated as confidential. However, submitting an anonymous formal complaint is not possible.
In cases of discrimination, which counselling service centres can I turn to?
There are a number of counselling service centres at the university who provide support in cases of discrimination. An overview of these services can be found here.
What are the responsibilities of the University Complaints Office for discrimination cases?
The University Complaints Office is responsible for handling complaints based on disadvantage and discrimination. The University Complaints Office operates based on the »Allgemeinen Gleichbehandlungsgesetz« (general law on equal treatment) and the »Richtlinie zum Schutz vor Benachteiligungen nach dem Allgemeinen Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG)« (Regulations on the Protection Against Discrimination in Accordance with the General Law on Equal Treatment at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar). The Office receives complaints based on the legal provisions, in particular regarding racial discrimination, discrimination based on ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual sexual discrimination and violence.
Complaints based on other issues are not dealt with by the University Complaints Office for discrimination cases. Students can submit complaints based on courses, degree programmes, the organisation of studies and examinations, and on lecturers through the »Student and Academic Affairs« Complaints Centre.
Who can contact the University Complaints Office for discrimination cases?
The University Complaints Office receives discrimination complaints from employees, doctoral candidates and students.
Temporary or visiting university members, for instance visiting academic or lecturers, can also submit complaints to the University Complaints Office.
How is the formal complaints procedure carried out?
The affected individual (complainant) submits a complaint, either in writing or verbally, to the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) in the event of discrimination.
The »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) will then review the complaint by examining documents and submitted evidence, and by interviewing witnesses. The Office requests a response from the individual against whom the complaint has been submitted (respondent), either in writing or in person (hearing).
If the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) concludes that, in accordance with the AGG and/or the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Regulations, no act of discrimination has taken place, the respondent and the complainant will be informed accordingly.
If the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) concludes that, in accordance with the AGG and/or the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Regulations, an act of discrimination has taken place, the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) will recommend appropriate measures or sanctions.
The recommendations of the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) act as a basis for decision-making by the relevant responsible offices. The responsible office depends on the member group to which the respondent belongs to. The responsible office for students and doctoral candidates is the Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs; the responsible office for academic staff is the President.
The »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) documents the complaints procedure. The Office informs complainants of the outcome of the complaints procedure. The complaints procedure can be seen in the diagram, along with the procedure regulations for the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) (currently being finalised).
How can I reach the University Complaints Office?
You can reach the University Complaints Office via phone or e-mail.
Appointments may be made in advance.
Dipl.-Ing. Ronny Schüler and Dr.in Carolin Wick
Phone: +49 (0)3643-581717
E-Mail: beschwerdestelle@uni-weimar.de
Complaint procedure diagram
