Together for more diversity TU Braunschweig sets a sign for diversity, anti-discrimination and equality
Diversity at the university and in society means more than flying the rainbow flag: On 26 June, Technische Universität Braunschweig invites not only students and TU members but also everyone interested to the second “Tag der Vielfalt” (Diversity Day) to set an example for diversity, anti-discrimination and equality. In cooperation with regional initiatives and experts from anti-discrimination work, there will be a varied programme of workshops, inspiring talks, music and information stands.
“Diversity is only possible together”: Under this motto, TU Braunschweig is organising the second “Tag der Vielfalt” (Diversity Day) on 26 June on the Universitätsplatz. “On this day, we want to work together with regional actors for a more diversity-friendly society, promote exchange and help the topic become more visible in the future,” explains Anouk Almstedt, Diversity Policies Officer at TU Braunschweig.
TU Braunschweig wants to actively contribute to promoting understanding of diversity and structural change. “Diversity-conscious university development is a long-term process that we would like to accompany and actively shape with events such as the ‘Tag der Vielfalt’,” says Anouk Almstedt. At the “Tag der Vielfalt” (Diversity Day), visitors can find out what is on offer at TU Braunschweig and in the regional initiatives to promote a more diverse society.
A sign for self-determination, acceptance and openness
At 24 stands, initiatives such as the Feminist Café, Refugium, the Verein für sexuelle Emanzipation e. V. (VSE) and internal university contact points such as the Diversity Office and the AStA will be offering information as well as exciting activities to take part in and exchange perspectives.
Special attention will be paid to TU Braunschweig’s focus topic this year: queer@TU, which is considered groundbreaking for the university’s event programme. In the “queer@TU” workshop run by SCHLAU e. V. Braunschweig, those interested will learn how to deal confidently with terms relating to LGBTQIA*, gain biographical insights into coming outs as well as experiences of discrimination and the realities of life.
“The event starts at 1 pm with the raising of the rainbow flag,” Anouk Almstedt explains. For 5 years now, the flag has been permanently flying over the University Square and will be exchanged this year with the updated Progress Pride Flag by intersex activist Valentino Vecchietti. “Diversity is much more than flying the rainbow flag. But like every year, we’re making an important and visible statement on the main campus and showing what values we stand for as a university.”
Education, exchange and music
This will be followed by a diverse stage programme of keynote speeches, workshops and live musical acts. Speakers include Türkân Deniz-Roggenbuck, owner of Kulturton and licensed trainer for interculture and diversity, and Anna Klassen, PhD student at the University of Jena. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to engage intensively with different perspectives on diversity in three workshops organised by Schwarze Schafe e.V., SCHLAU e.V. and Kulturton (Agentur für Diversität und Transkulturalität). Fabien Diffé, Funky Grannies, Lisa Strat and the hip-hop duo SPNNNK will provide suitable musical accompaniment. From 9pm, the FLINTA* DJ collective Boom Cherry Soundsystem will bring the evening to a close with a mix of favourite music across genres.
All programme items will take place on Universitätsplatz, participation is free of charge. Registration for the workshops is requested via email to mailto:i.stang@tu-braunschweig.de.
Further information on the programme is available on the website and on the social media channels of TU Braunschweig.
Overview of the programme:
13:00 Opening: Raising of the rainbow flags and greetings by President Angela Ittel, the student initiatives Autonomes FrauenLesbenReferat (Autonomous Women’s and Lesbian Department) and the Homosexuelle Unigruppe Braunschweig (Homosexual University Group Braunschweig) as well as the student and staff network LGBTIAQ*@TU.
13:15 Impulse: “Diversität an der Technischen Universität Braunschweig” (Diversity at Technische Universität Braunschweig)
13:45 Workshop: “Allyship” by Schwarze Schafe e.V.
14:45 Music: Fabien Diffé (Singer-Songwriter)
15:15 Impulse: “Diversität in unserer Gesellschaft” (Diversity in our society) by Türkân Deniz-Roggenbuck (Kulturton)
16:00 Workshop: “Grundlagen Diversität” (Diversity Basics) by Türkân Deniz-Roggenbuck (Kulturton)
17:00 Music: The Funky Grannies (Indie Rock)
17:30 Impulse: “Queerness und ihre Dimensionen” (Queerness and its dimensions) by Anna Klassen
18:15 Workshop: “queer@TU” by SCHLAU e.V.
19:00 Music: Lisa Strat (Loopstation, Singer-Songwriter)
20:00 Music: SPNNK (Hip Hop/Rap)
21:00 Music: Boom Cherry Soundsystem (FLINTA* DJ collective)