After addressing classism (2022) and queerphobia (2023), the Diversity Office, together with the President of TU Brunswick, dedicates this year's topic to criticism of racism and anti-racism (2024).
Racism is a pervasive issue affecting society at large. For instance, data from the Racism Monitor (2022) indicates that approximately three-quarters of the German population have encountered racist incidents (cf. Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung 2022: 39). Contact can take the form of personal involvement, reports from friends, acquaintances or family, or through observations (cf. ibid.). A total of 22% have experienced racism themselves (cf. ibid.: 31). Universities are not only not exempt from racism, but they also hold a special legacy.
In the 17th century, scientists legitimized colonial rule and the enslavement of people for economic gain (Ogette 2019: 34). Among other things, the "race theory" was developed as a means of legitimizing white supremacy, which was constructed based on an imagined superiority (cf. ibid.: 35). Cavalli-Sforza (1994) is among those who show that these theories of biological anthropology are scientifically untenable and absurd. The legacy that academic institutions have legitimized, enabled and perpetuated racism is also institutionally embedded in the structure of universities (Al-Mafaalani 2021: 73). The teaching of this ideology at universities over centuries led to the "doctrine of ideas," causing a deep entrenchment in people's minds (Al-Mafaalani 2021: 31). This results in a unique role, combined with responsibility for the university as a significant institution for the enrichment and dissemination of knowledge.
The necessity for critical work on racism at TU Braunschweig is further underscored by the inquiries for guidance handled by the Diversity Coordination Office last year. For this reason, we hope to dedicate a year to addressing criticism of racism and promoting anti-racism at TU Brunswick. We will be accompanied by anti-racism trainer Sabrina Rahimi.
“We have to learn to talk about it in order to unlearn.“ (Sabrina Rahimi, 30.01.2024).
There will be various events, lectures, and workshops on the topic of anti-racism to educate and raise more awareness. Beyond students who have encountered racism, individuals who haven't are also encouraged to participate in addressing the new focus topic to foster a more inclusive and pleasant study and work environment. We cordially invite you to cooperate with us and pay more attention to this topic.
On our website and Instagram page, we regularly provide information about current events, projects, and measures, as well as the implementation of the new Focus Year 2024: Racism-Critical University to keep you up to date!
We are starting the focus year with an empowerment workshop for people who have experienced racism on 28.02.24.
For basic and in-depth literature, we recommend the literature collection tab, which is continuously updated.
The AStA's Discrimination Alert offers an opportunity to report discriminatory incidents by those affected as well as witnesses.