Youniversity: Celebrating diversity. Living respect

Youniversity: We are all part of the University!

Auftaktposter Diversitätskampagne Youniversity Englisch

The campaign ‘Youniversity: Celebrating diversity. Living respect.’ by the Equal Opportunities Working Group (AKG) will focus on various diversity topics over the next two semesters. The selection of topics is based on the daily work of the Equal Opportunities Working Group and highlights how diverse our university is.

The topics will be published over the course of the two semesters on thematically fitting international days or days with local events. The kick-off takes place as part of Zero Discrimination Day on the first of March. Our aim is to show that differences are not insurmountable boundaries, but that we can celebrate diversity as a diverse togetherness and thus live mutual respect.

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Topics

Women in Science | 8 March International Women’s Day
Neurodiversity | 2 April World Autism Awareness Day
Gender Diversity | 17 May International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia & 31 May Rainbow Parade in Klagenfurt
Compatibility of Family and University | 1 June Parents’ Day
Classism | Since no day exists for this we have chosen 1 July
Biases | 18 September Equal Pay Day
Health | 10 October World Mental Health Day
Gender-based Violence | 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
(Assigned) Ethical Affiliation | 9 November International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism

How do we want to achieve this?

Diversity often becomes visible through different opportunities, possibilities and experiences of discrimination. Over the coming months, ‘Youniversity’ will therefore focus on prevailing stereotypes or experiences of discrimination against (groups of) people and shed light on them in a scientific manner. As discussions on these topics are often fuelled by personal experiences, everyday understandings and, unfortunately, hostility towards science, a special focus will be placed on information and facts for each topic. We hope to arouse interest with exciting facts so that old patterns or prejudices can be thrown overboard. We want to initiate processes of change by familiarising people with new possibilities for action.

Support by being an ‘Ally’!

The Equal Opportunities Working Group has the task of consistently working against (potential) discrimination to ensure that all AAU members have fair study and working conditions. This requires the support and participation of all members of the university, for example by consciously listening, learning and acting. Studies show that the environment – such as colleagues, observers, friends, family, etc. – has a significant influence on whether and to what extent people hurt, harass or discriminate against others.

The campaign therefore focuses on small and large opportunities for change and spaces for action that individuals have in specific situations. In this way, we contribute to an organisational culture that does not tolerate discrimination.

What is the concept of allyhsip?

Allyship refers to the active advocacy of privileged people for disadvantaged groups in order to reduce discrimination and promote equality. It goes beyond mere support and requires conscious listening, learning and action. Allies use their voice and influence to make injustices visible, break down barriers and empower those affected – be it in social, professional or political contexts. It is important that allyship is not understood as a one-off action, but as an ongoing process of solidarity and self-reflection.

What is the bystander effect?

The bystander effect describes the phenomenon that people are less likely to help in emergency situations when many others are present. Responsibility is unconsciously distributed among the group so that individuals are less likely to intervene.

Taking action

There are some actions that can be taken at any time:

Speak up if you observe something where your ‘gut feeling’ tells you that the situation is creating a non-appreciative, hurtful or hostile environment. Offer support to the person affected, for example by asking what they want or need.
If you experience or observe discrimination or harassment, please contact us, the Equal Opportunities Working Group (akg [dot] buero [at] aau [dot] at). We will treat your concerns confidentially. Alternatively, you can reach out to a contact point or a person you trust. Further information on possible contact points can be found on the homepage of the Equal Opportunities Working Group.
If you have any comments or feedback on the campaign or ideas for anti-discrimination measures at the AAU, please contact us via the following address: vielfalt [dot] respekt [at] aau [dot] at

Information

The campaign aims not only to provide scientific information, but also to be suitable for everyday use. We have therefore come up with a colourful mix of information channels. Our posters, web texts and other contributions have been deliberately reduced to central points so as not to lose attention to diversity and (anti-)discrimination.

Each month, the individual topics are complemented by

literature tips,

social media links,

podcasts,

events or

a small reading corner in the library.

We would like to thank all members of the Equal Opportunities Working Group for their support. We would also like to thank the Vice-Rector for Education and Diversity, the Student Union (ÖH) and the University Centre for Women’s* and Gender Studies.

Equal Opportunities Working Group of the University of Klagenfurt

Editors: Maria Mucke, Maria Clar-Novak, Helga Pirolt, Lux Pratter, David Sabitzer, Rachel Gorden, Heidi Siller

Design: Jess Gaspar

Klagenfurt, 2025