Discrimination
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the unjustified disadvantaging of a person or a group of people. It can occur on the basis of various characteristics or perceived characteristics, such as ethnic, social, or economic background; gender; sexual orientation; language; origin; religion or belief; disability and/or illness; body or appearance; age; or family situation.
Discrimination can be direct or indirect.
- Direct discrimination occurs when the discriminatory characteristic is immediately recognizable. Example: A trans* person continues to be addressed with the wrong form of address despite having provided clarification.
- Indirect discrimination occurs when discrimination is not immediately visible but results from rules or practices that disadvantage certain groups. Example: Part‑time employees are excluded from conducting laboratory tests. As most part‑time employees are women, this indirectly discriminates against women.
What is multiple discrimination?
Multiple discrimination occurs when a person is discriminated against on the basis of several characteristics. Example: An applicant with a disability is structurally disadvantaged on the labor market due to her disability. She is also paid less because of her gender (see gender pay gap). She experiences multiple discrimination based on disability and gender (at different times).
Intersectional discrimination?
Intersectional discrimination occurs when two or more grounds of discrimination interact in such a way that they cannot be considered separately. Example: A Black student is denied entry to a student party without justification. Here, stereotypical and racist assumptions about age, gender, and skin color intersect. The student is discriminated against on the basis of these interacting characteristics.
Information on counseling
Have you experienced or witnessed discriminatory behavior and are unsure what to do? Feel free to contact us. Together we will clarify your questions and consider possible next steps.
Are you unsure whether you have been affected, or whether what you experienced or witnessed was discrimination? Trust your instincts — unpleasant feelings often have a reason. In a confidential conversation, you can tell us about your experiences and/or observations, and we can discuss possible next steps together.
It may be helpful to make notes in advance. These can include a memory log with information about the time, place, people involved, perpetrators, and witnesses. You can find an example of a memory log here.
Important: In an emergency, contact the police or emergency services immediately.
The police have a duty to prosecute. This means they must begin their investigation as soon as they are notified.
Specific information on counseling in cases of sexualized violence can be found here.
Our counseling services are available to all members and affiliates of TU Dortmund University: students, employees, and professors from all departments and units. In addition, anyone who is on campus with the university’s authorization may contact us. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed discrimination or sexualized violence by members of TU Dortmund University may also reach out to us.
Depending on your preferences, counseling can take place by telephone, via Zoom, or in person in our counseling room. Counseling is always free of charge, voluntary, confidential, and — if you wish — anonymous.
Counseling can take many forms. Sometimes it is helpful simply to talk about what you have experienced or witnessed. This may also lead to further options for action, which we can explore and support together.
Important: You are at the center of the counseling process. No steps will be taken without your knowledge and/or consent.
Would you like to know whether there are risks of discrimination in your area and how these can be reduced? We would be happy to advise you on this as well.