What is discrimination?

Discrimination is the unequal treatment and marginalisation of groups or individuals on the basis of particular characteristics (e.g. gender, age, skin colour).

Every form of disadvantage, disregard, disparagement, disdain, exclusion or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on actual or ascribed group-specific characteristics is discriminatory (direct discrimination). Even seemingly neutral behaviours, rules and regulations that apply to everyone can sometimes have discriminatory impacts on certain groups in practice (indirect discrimination). When the adjustments and changes necessary for people with disabilities to exercise their human rights are withheld, this also constitutes discrimination.

The decisive factor for discrimination is the outcome, not the motive (intention, thoughtlessness, general administrative practice, etc.).

Grounds of discrimination

Discrimination on the following grounds is forbidden at HAW Hamburg:

  • Ethnic background, citizenship and racist ascriptions
  • Gender identity (including trans and intersex individuals)
  • Religion and worldview
  • Disability and chronic illness
  • Age
  • Sexual orientation
  • Social origin or social status
  • Family status
  • Appearance (e.g. weight, language, clothing, style)

Discrimination is not always based on just one (actual or ascribed) characteristic, but instead on the intersection of various grounds (e.g. racist ascriptions and religion).

What is harassment and violence?

Harassment is a behaviour that takes place without the mutual agreement of the people involved.
Violence includes threats, coercion and rape.

Harassment occurs when unwanted conduct has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the person impacted. This occurs particularly when an environment characterised by intimidation, hostility, humiliation, degradation and insults exists (sexual harassment).

Specific forms of harassment and violence

Bullying

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Sexualised and sexist harassment and violence

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Racist harassment and violence

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Stalking

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