Online activities for Diversity Day on 26 May
While the digital world consists only of ones and zeros, the real world is thankfully much more diverse. Diversity Day, which is held nationwide on 26 May and in which Friedrich Schiller University in Jena is also participating, aims to showcase this diversity. This year, due to the exceptional situation caused by the coronavirus, diversity can only be presented digitally. Anyone interested is invited to join in the online activities from wherever they happen to be. For example, you can put your knowledge of diversity to the test in a quiz from the employer initiative "Charta der Vielfalt" (Diversity Charter). In another initiative, a "Factbook" will inform you about how diverse the University of Jena is in the areas of study, research, technology and administration. And the University’s Diversity Office will be introducing itself in an online seminar between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
"Our university thrives on the diversity of its students and staff, with their diverse views and experiences, visions and needs, competencies and skills, as well as cultures and social backgrounds," says Prof. Uwe Cantner, Vice President for Young Researchers and Diversity Management. "We dedicate our efforts to their positive collaboration and want to create an atmosphere in which every person feels equally welcome and able to develop," he adds, emphasising the importance of diversity for the university.
Equal opportunities, appreciation and freedom from discrimination
Jena University Diversity Officer Prof. David J. Green and the diversity office he leads, which will introduce itself on Diversity Day, play an important role here. It supports and represents the interests of all university members, so that they can pursue their work or studies on a level playing field. The office informs and advises when someone experiences disadvantage - due to age, national, cultural or social background or sexual orientation, but also due to disability and chronic illness, as well as special family responsibilities. "There can be no room for prejudice and discrimination at the University of Jena," explains Diversity Officer Green. "However, if anyone nevertheless experiences prejudice, they can contact us at any time, even anonymously."
Anyone wishing to participate in the online seminar can register until 25 May at diversitaet@uni-jena.de with the subject "Webinar Diversitätsbüro" (Diversity Office webinar) and they will receive the link by e-mail (also anonymously). Shortly after the event, the fully accessible presentation will be available on www.uni-jena.de/en/diversity_office.
