Contact Point Against Discrimination

Since April 2024, the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology has a Contact Point to support people who have experienced or observed discrimination at the university. This Contact Point can be used by anyone - students and lecturers - who have either experienced discrimination themselves or have witnessed it. The Contact Point is a result of the Working Group Against Intersectional Discrimination and Racism, an initiative founded in 2023, which is committed to an anti-discriminatory university and the decolonization of the department and teaching.

What would a counseling session look like?

In a confidential and anonymous setting, you have the opportunity to talk about incidents and decide on forms of action. One option is to collaboratively write a formal complaint. Psychological support can also be arranged. Another possibility is to document the incident without seeking further action.

If you seek further information, you can contact report.discrimination.ksa@univie.ac.at

How does the Contact Point support you?

  • Do not hesitate to contact the Contact Point.  Together we can then discuss further options for action. If you wish, the Contact Point will also support you in taking possible next steps.
    >> Flow Chart depicting possible complaint offices
  • Document the incident with a memory log containing significant data such as date, time, context (e.g. course) and description of the situation. This can also be drawn up jointly. If persons of trust were present, ask them to write a memory log as well. 

How can witnesses react?

Support the person concerned as much as you can. For example: 

  • Encourage the person concerned to get help.
  • Document the incident using a memory log with significant data such as date, time, context (e.g. course) and description of the situation. This can also be created together with the contact point.
  • Use your own position to help put an end to discriminatory behaviour. For example, point out the discriminating person's behaviour, and approach the person affected. 

When and where can you find the Contact Point?

Times of the Contact Point in summer term 2024

  • Fr., 03.05. | 15:00-18:15 | @Seminarraum-A
  • Fr., 10.05. | 13:15-16:30 | @Seminarraum-A
  • Fr., 17.05. | 13:15-16:30 | @Seminarraum-A
  • Fr., 24.05. | 13:15-16:30 | @Seminarraum-D
  • Fr., 07.06. | 15:00-18:15 | @Seminarraum-A
  • Fr., 14.06. | 11:30-14:45 | @Seminarraum-A
  • Fr., 21.06. | 13:15-16:30 | @Seminarraum-A
  • Fr., 28.06. | 13:15-16:30 | @Seminarraum-A

further contact possibility

Outside these times, the Contact Point can also be reached at the following e-mail address:

report.discrimination.ksa@univie.ac.at

 

The department would like to encourage everyone to talk about discriminatory behaviour, seek advice and report incidents. In particular, we would like to encourage those who are unsure whether their case is relevant, or can be certainly classified as such to engage in conversations.

Jakob Ruthner (contact: report.discrimination.ksa@univie.ac.at) is the person operating the Contact Point to support those affected by discrimination at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. Jakob is non-binary, white, and also studies at this department. Jakob additionally holds the coordinating position of the Working Group Against Intersectional Discrimination and Racism and was part of the group who initiated the Working Group. Jakob is also active in anti-racist groups outside of university contexts.