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Statement – Condemnation of discriminatory, violent attacks on students in Golm

Recently there has been harassment and discrimination at the university campus in Golm. There have also been break-ins, swastika graffiti, and vandalism. Sadly, these events reached a climax in early February with a brutal physical attack on university students that was motivated by right-wing, anti-queer and anti-transsexual ideology. We are shocked and appalled that such a violent attack has taken place at our university.

The University of Potsdam expresses its solidarity with those affected by this inhuman attack and condemns this violence in the strongest possible terms. Our university is a place that embraces gender diversity and that does not tolerate discrimination. The university opposes harassment and stands for a democratic culture and the equality of all human beings.

The University of Potsdam is doing everything in its power to ensure that these crimes are prosecuted and that the campus remains a safe place for everyone. No-one should feel as if they should be afraid of attacks. In this context, we have long engaged in close cooperation with the police and the city of Potsdam and have taken initial measures to deal with this.

If you witness a violent attack or are yourself attacked, we would like to encourage you to report the incident. You can find the relevant contacts at: https://polizei.brandenburg.de/standorte_und_erreichbarkeiten/id/66560

You can also consult with the counseling and support institutions at the University of Potsdam and the state of Brandenburg. We have compiled the following information: what you should do specifically if such an incident occurs, and an overview of resources that you can contact.
 
What should I do if I am affected by such an incident?

  • Express disagreement (if possible, speak loudly and clearly, to raise public awareness of the attack)
  • Seek attention and help
  • Speak with people you trust
  • Document what you have experience. We have provided below a template from the German Federal Government’s Anti-Discrimination Office.
  • Take advantage of our counseling and support services
  • Submit a complaint to the Ombudsman of the University of Potsdam

What should I do if I observe an incident?

  • Depending on the situation, speak to the affected person(s), ask what the affected person(s) need(s), offer help or call for assistance
  • Document the incident in writing (a brief report with the date, time, location, and if applicable the names of those involved)
  • Visit support services for yourself, and/or accompany the affected person(s)

Counseling and Support Services

Counseling at the University of Potsdam

Counseling Regarding Right-Wing Violence

Anti-Discrimination Offices

  • Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes
    provides counseling in the event of discrimination
  • les migras
    provides counseling in cases of (serial) discrimination; Hotline: 030 21 91 50 90; Office hours: Monday: 14:00-17:00, Tuesday: 10:00-16:00, Wednesday: 14:00-17:00, Thursday: 15:00-18:00
  • OFEK e.V. Beratungsstelle
    Counseling office for anti-Semitic violence and discrimination; Hotline: +49 17645875532, +49 8006645268; Office hours: Monday: 16:00-18:00, Tuesday: 10:00-12:00, Wednesday: 12:00-14:00, Thursday: 10:00-12:00, Friday: 12:00-14:00

Queer Counseling in Brandenburg

Pastoral Care

  • Nightline Potsdam
    Provides an open ear to students in Potsdam; Hotline: 0331 977 1834; during the lecture period, Thursday to Sunday, 21:00 - 24:00
  • Seelensorgetelefon
    Open for all needs; Hotline: 0800 1110111
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Sabine Schwarz

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