The AStA and the Vice-President are pleased with the launch of the ‘Virtual Anti-Discrimination Days’ series of events. They have been very well received within the university community.
Up to 100 members of the public attended each day, many of whom actively took part in the discussions. The organisers are pleased with the first edition of the – due to the pandemic, virtual – Anti-Discrimination Days (VDoA) at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Over four evenings, external speakers, lecturers, administrative staff and students discussed issues of participation and exclusion at the university, as well as ways to promote inclusion and prevent exclusion. The panellists exchanged views with the audience on topics including gender equality, social segregation, racism and mental health.
The AStA at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences launched the Anti-Discrimination Days and organised them in close collaboration with the Vice-President for International Affairs and Diversity, Prof. Dr Tatiana Zimenkova. Josepha Paula Kuhl, AStA representative for the Kamp-Lintfort campus, is delighted with the strong response: “The turnout at the VDoA has shown just how much interest there is in the issues of diversity and equality at our university. Not only amongst the student body, but also amongst staff and lecturers. I was particularly pleased by the wealth of ideas for possible solutions.”
Vice-President Zimenkova also draws a positive conclusion: “I am impressed by the students’ commitment during the event and am equally delighted by the active participation of teaching and administrative staff. I have learnt a great deal over the last few days and am taking away many insights to help initiate further processes aimed at combating discrimination and facilitating participation at the university.” Following the cancellation of this year’s Festival of Tolerance and Festival of Sustainability, Kuhl said, “It was lovely to see that the VDoA was able to foster cross-campus cooperation”.
Background
From 9 to 12 November, the AStA and the Vice-President organised the “Virtual Anti-Discrimination Days”. Four panel discussions on various topics brought together academic expertise and student perspectives. Viewers were able to join the discussion via a chat function and participate spontaneously via video and audio. The findings from the event will be published in a leaflet and will support the AStA and the Vice-President in developing the necessary processes relating to discrimination at the university.
