Active Bystanding
Actively addressing harassment also means taking responsibility. Silence is not a neutral stance; rather, it reinforces structures of discrimination and sexualizing behavior.
Despite their educational mission and their social commitment to equal opportunity, colleges and universities are not free from discriminatory structures, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. According to the UniSAFE study (2022), 62% of respondents (students and staff) have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence at their institution. Psychological violence (57%) was cited most frequently, and nearly one in three people reported sexual harassment. People from marginalized groups were also particularly frequently affected, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and members of ethnic minorities.
A study by the DAAD (2025) also shows that one-fifth of international students have experienced discrimination. The discrimination primarily comes from domestic students and is based on racialized characteristics.
TU Dortmund University is committed to preventing discrimination, disadvantage, abuse of power, harassment, and sexual violence, and strives to create a fair, supportive, and motivating work environment for both employees and students.
- Policy on Protection Against Discrimination and Sexual Violence at TU Dortmund University
All members of the university community are called upon to (pro)actively confront their own biases and take responsibility in situations involving discrimination. Silence is not a neutral stance; rather, it normalizes and reinforces structures of discrimination and sexualizing behavior.
The 5D Method outlines five ways to take action in situations involving sexual harassment and discrimination. Such situations can include, for example, derogatory or discriminatory comments in classes, offensive or threatening remarks on campus, inappropriate messages, unwanted physical contact at university events, or sexualized comments about a person’s appearance.
This action model provides guidance on active bystanding (active intervention in the form of moral courage) and outlines specific ways in which people can act in a supportive and solidarity-based manner in situations involving harassment and discrimination.
Henry, the campus cat, is known as the “Feel-Good Manager” at TU Dortmund University. He knows exactly what it takes to make sure everyone feels safe on campus. Be like Henry on his rounds and follow the 5 Ds. Together against discrimination and sexual violence.