What can I do if I experience or observe discrimination at HAW Hamburg?
In cases of discrimination, HAW Hamburg's Anti-Discrimination Policy ensures that those impacted have options for taking action and accessing support. On this page you will find information about the possible courses of action and the support and counselling services available to you if you have experienced or observed discrimination.
Possible courses of action in the event of discrimination
In the event of discrimination, those impacted always have the opportunity to obtain support and advice from HAW Hamburg's counselling and support services. Depending on the ground and type of discrimination, there are various counselling and support offers for employees and students. The staff of these services are obligated to maintain confidentiality.
Even where there is uncertainty about whether the incident really was a case of discrimination, HAW Hamburg's counselling and support services can help understand and name what happened and identify potential courses of action.
If discrimination based on a protected characteristic as outlined in the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) has taken place, a complaints procedure can be initiated through HAW Hamburg's AGG Complaints Office.
It is also possible to take legal action in response to discrimination on the grounds of a protected characteristic listed in the AGG. However, this requires the submission of a written complaint to the AGG Complaints Office within two months following the incident. Maintaining this deadline secures the right to take legal action, but a complaint does not automatically lead to court action.
Advising and support
In the event of discrimination, HAW Hamburg's counselling and support services provide assistance to those impacted. All counselling and support services at HAW Hamburg are obligated to maintain confidentiality. The counselling and advising sessions can help determine whether discrimination has taken place, the grounds of and type of discrimination, and what the individual's options and needs are.
If desired, the counselling and support services can contact external organisations for support, initiate protective measures and interventions, and support the person impacted in starting a formal complaints procedure through HAW Hamburg's AGG Complaints Office.
The advising or counselling can be ended by the person seeking advice at any time. The counselling and support services are not fundamentally obligated to pursue a case. An advising or counselling session therefore does not necessarily lead to further consequences and actions. In cases of imminent danger, however, the counselling and support services are required to act to prevent this danger, even against the will of the person seeking advice (e.g. by notifying the police or informing the Executive Board).
Below you will find an overview of the counselling and support services at HAW Hamburg that can assist you in the event of discrimination. Please see the pages noted for more information about the contact people and the support offered.
Counselling and support services in the event of discrimination
For employees
Occupational Health and Conflict Management Unit
Equal opportunities commissioner for technical, library and administrative staff
Conflict mediators
Staff Council
Representative for employees with disabilities
The support services for specific types of discrimination are outlined on the counselling and support services page.
Submitting a complaint to the AGG Complaints Office
A formal complaints procedure can be initiated through the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) Complaints Office. The AGG Complaints Office evaluates whether discrimination based on a characteristic protected under the AGG has taken place.
First, a complaint is submitted to the AGG Complaints Office. The office reviews the facts of the case by obtaining a response from the person accused, conducting interviews with witnesses, and examining any evidence. It then decides whether discrimination under the AGG has occurred and which measures or sanctions are appropriate to deal with the incident. The Complaints Office informs the involved parties about this decision and initiates implementation of the measures. Once the process is concluded, the case is documented in an anonymised manner for subsequent evaluation.
The AGG Complaints Office serves a review function only. It may therefore be advisable to seek support from HAW Hamburg's counselling and support services prior to and during the complaints procedure.
You can find detailed information about submitting a complaint here.
