A strong signal for respectful cooperation

Paderborn University is now part of the "RESPECT!" campaign run by the blick* state office. This reaffirms its commitment to diversity, acceptance and mutual appreciation. This is also emphasised by the planned activities around the "Coming out Days". The Central Equal Opportunities Officer, the Diversity Officer and the General Students' Committee (AStA), together with the Centre for Gender Studies (ZG) at Paderborn University, are inviting all interested parties to attend on 2 and 11 December.

"As a university, we not only want to be excellent in research and teaching, but also offer excellent conditions for a democratic, open and inclusive society. Joining the blick* campaign underlines our claim to be an institution where diversity and mutual support are a living reality," explains University President Prof Dr Matthias Bauer. The state specialist centre blick* provides broad-based impetus in rural areas on the topics of sexual and gender identity. With the "RESPECT!" campaign, it aims to create more visibility for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, inter* and queer people. The stickers and posters, which are now displayed at many entrances to various institutions, signalise this: This is an open place where all people are welcome.

"We want all members of the university to experience a climate of appreciation and belonging," emphasises Laura Maring, Diversity Officer at Paderborn University. To this end, she regularly organises events on campus together with various partners.