Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit

Anti-discrimination counselling

The anti-discrimination counselling service is the central point of contact for dealing with discrimination at the university. Those affected, observers, counsellors or people supporting anti-discrimination receive advice, support and information as well as strategies for taking action in the context of experiences of discrimination.
The Counselling Service also raises awareness of issues relating to discrimination and their interconnetions.

  • Have you experienced discrimination at university or felt disadvantaged?
  • Perhaps you have observed discrimination?
  • Are you looking for support or do you have questions?
  • Are you unsure whether you can take advantage of counselling?


We are happy to answer your questions:
- Open digital counselling via BigBlueButton (BBB)*:
Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4 pm
https://meet.gwdg.de/b/mei-jhc-knq
*Note in advance: After logging in to BBB, please wait. If a call is already in progress, you cannot enter the room until the previous person has left the room and you are (technically) permitted to enter.
- Or you can arrange an individual consultation:

Central anti-discrimination counselling (for students incl. UMG and employees of the university)
Tel. 0551 39-26665
E-Mail
Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit
Goßlerstr. 9, 37073 Göttingen


Who can contact the anti-discrimination counselling service?

The counselling service is open to students (including UMG), employees and members (e.g. as visiting researchers, lecturers) of the university.

Are you also interested in the topics of discrimination or empowerment? The ADB also supports initiatives and interested parties (groups and individuals). Students, counsellors, teaching staff, lecturers, employees in academic support areas and technical staff can receive information on forms of discrimination and appropriate ways of dealing with it.


What does anti-discrimination counselling mean?

Counselling is individual, free of charge, transparent and confidential. To record your experiences, you can use a memory log (see example template (pdf), right-hand column), which can also serve as a basis for counselling. Your concerns are at the centre of the counselling. Counselling can also be provided anonymously on request.

In addition, the ADB provides information on various forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism or homophobia, queer or transophobia. It shows how these forms of discrimination can be interlinked. The aim is to create a critical awareness of the effects of discrimination and to offer strategies and support to those affected, observers, counsellors or people supporting anti-discrimination in their ability to take action.


What is discrimination?

Discrimination is, when people are disadvantaged or excluded on the basis of attributions or (supposed) affiliations (not objectively justifiable) e.g. with regard to (following the AGG § 1 - characteristics requiring protection):

  • gender,
  • ethnic or social origin,
  • disability,
  • religion or belief,
  • age or
  • sexual orientation.

The university's understanding of discrimination has been expanded to include other attributions worthy of protection, e.g. nationality, language, socio-economic status, marital status, caring responsibilities and physical appearance (e.g. looks, weight).
Discrimination can occur directly, e.g. in interactions, or indirectly, e.g. through procedures, regulations or criteria.
Further information: