Who are we?
We are a group of students concerned about issues of diversity and discrimination at the Bauhaus Universität Weimar. We are part of the diversity office and are working inside the university's structures to support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the university. When students experience discrimination on or off campus, we, the Diversity Guides can be their first point of contact when it comes to dealing with these situations.
What is diversity?
For us, diversity is an action, a practice of including, involving and acknowledging differences in people. The world and living conditions are not the same for all people. Depending on certain attributes, our living conditions are very diverse. Also, society and the structures in which we move don't treat all people in the same way or with the same amount of respect. Recognizing these differences and the diversity between people is the beginning of the path to a discrimination-free society and respectful coexistence. But this recognition alone is not enough. We must actively oppose discrimination of all kinds, such as on the basis of religion, class, different social, educational, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and gender identity, disability, mental illness or age.The university as any institution is not free from discriminatory practices and behaviours. We as the Diversity Guides focus on the wishes and needs of those affected. Be it discriminatory university staff, teachers or colleagues, a specific situation or structural discrimination in institutions, feel free to approach us! Together we can find individual solutions and suitable offers of help to deal with discrimination, whether on an institutional level or personal.
Everyone should have a place in our university.
Team Members
Zeinab Rahimi
I come from Iran, currently pursuing an interdisciplinary approach between art, technology, and design by studying master's degree in MediaArchitecture at Bauhaus University. Due to my personal experience of living and studying in three different parts of the world; East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, I have experienced radical cultural differences. In coping with the culture shock, I realized how important it is to have a critical understanding of the diverse world we are living in. Being a Diversity Guide is where I can place my hopes and effort to support diversity, a place where I can believe that no one is out to fit into the so-called predefined social norms. This place gives me the courage to accept who I am as well as to accept and support other people just the way they are. We are enough to be loved and supported just the way we are.
Jay Steinert
Hi, I'm Jay. I'm white, queer & nonbinary, using "they/them" pronouns in english and "hen" / none in german. I started studying "Visual Communication" in 2019 and have since then focused on intersectional queer-feminist activism at the university. With the Diversity Guides I hope to create safer spaces for students from marginalized communities here in Weimar. As I am living with a chronic illness I understand that every person has different needs in general but also regarding our studying journey. I hope that the Diversity Guides will be a good first step for looking after those needs individually and finding structures that work for us. Navigating through the university structures - be it because you're queer and want to change your name or because of other issues regarding your identity - can be hard and scary and I hope as a Diversity Guide I can be a helping hand for everyone who needs it.
Mara Zakharova
Hey, i'm Mara, and i've been living in Weimar since 2021, studying European Urban Studies.
Over that time, i've come to appreciate the importance of asking for help, especially in academic settings where personal struggles can significantly impact one's ability to study. Whether it's adjusting to a new culture, coping with conflicting emotions, or healing from impactful events, I'm here to provide a listening ear and guidance to those in need.
Through my own experiences, particularly as a queer person from russia, i understand the complexities of navigating both private and public life and adapting to a changing environment.
In my role at the diversity.guides, my aim is to foster a sense of acceptance and belonging within our university community. I want everyone to feel comfortable approaching us, and hope to create spaces where everyone feels valued to be their true selves.
Asma Halfaoui
My name is Asma Halfaoui, a young Tunisian woman, pursuing her studies at the Bauhaus University Weimar, Media Architecture program. As an Afrofuturist, I am thrilled to join the "Diversity Guide" group. We are here to fight together against inequalities that affect our planet. Do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to support you.
Kartik Bist
Hello, I am Kartik from Delhi, currently pursuing my master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction. The concept of inclusion is close to my heart. My previous work as a psychologist exposed me to various environments, including hospitals, juvenile homes, and different educational institutions. I observed that individuals often face discrimination based on gender, culture, and other factors. These situations can be delicate and require a certain degree of sensitivity to acknowledge individuals' feelings. My training as a psycho-social support provider can be invaluable in effectively guiding students.
Additionally, I am a representative of the FsR media department at the Student Konvent of the university and have been actively involved in student initiatives like Bauhaus Internationals. As a result, I feel a stronger connection to the university culture and believe I can effectively assist future students in integrating into the university community."