Press release: One important step towards a diversity-minded corporate culture

Nr. 141/2015 - 15.06.2015

Göttingen University signs "Charter of Diversity" – for a working environment free of prejudice

(pug) The University of Göttingen is signatory to the "Charter of Diversity". At a satellite event accompanying Germany’s Third Diversity Day in the Great Hall (Aula) at Wilhelmsplatz, University President Professor Ulrike Beisiegel has today put her signature to the Charter. The University thereby commits itself to create a working environment that is free of prejudice. "Diversity and equality are key elements that have long been anchored in our strategy," Professor Beisiegel stated. "A corporate culture characterised by mutual respect and appreciation for every single individual should be the hallmark of every modern and forward-looking university of the present day. By signing this Charter of Diversity, we are expressing our will to pursue this path with steadfastness and commitment."

Under the Charter of Diversity, the University of Göttingen strives to value the contribution of all staff and faculty members of the University – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion or ideology, handicap, age, sexual orientation or identity. It recognizes that managers and executives have special obligations. Over the coming months and years, the University's Diversity Steering Committee will oversee implementation of the Charter, whilst getting all University staff and faculty members involved.

"The signing of the Charter of Diversity constitutes an important step because it makes the numerous activities and measures established on the centralised and decentralised level at the University more visible to the outside," says Dr. Doris Hayn, University Equal Opportunities Officer. "This signing ceremony is both an appeal to and a mission for everybody to consciously embrace diversity-mindedness when shaping events and strategies at our University." For further information on the Charter of Diversity, visit www.charta-der-vielfalt.de.

Contact address:
Dr. Doris Hayn
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Equal Opportunities Officer
Goßlerstraße 9, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
Phone +49 (0)551 39-22100
E-mail: doris.hayn@zvw.uni-goettingen.de
Website: www.uni-goettingen.de/de/22168.html