Resources to Identify, Prevent & Report Discrimination and Racism

FH OÖ’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

FH OÖ Compass upholds the 10 guiding principles of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. Therefore, FH OÖ Compass upholds guiding principle 2, which states: “We represent a value system that does not tolerate any form of discrimination, be it on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual orientation.”

Additionally, FH OÖ Compass upholds guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.”

FH OÖ commits to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Here you’ll find resources to identify, prevent, and report discrimination and racism.

draw represent the diversity worldwide

Identify Discrimination and Racism

According to the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria European and International Affairs, discrimination is defined as treating persons unequally “based on personal characteristics such as sex, race, colour, national or social origin, religion, language or opinion.”1 

According to the European Union Commission, racism is defined as “ideas or theories of superiority of one race or group of persons of one ethnic origin.” 2

Discrimination and racism are never acceptable. However, unfortunately, they still occur. Here are resources and recommendations to identify, prevent, and report discrimination and racism to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all students, professors, and staff at FH OÖ.

In order to identify discrimination and racism, it’s essential to become aware of your own perspective and biases, which are often a result of your upbringing, life experiences, and country of origin. Educate yourself and expand your perspectives by unlearning your own biases and engaging in constructive conversations with others.

The FH OÖ Compass upholds the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.” FH OÖ students are encouraged to continue learning and unlearning their biases and perspectives to develop and grow.

 

1 Österreich, Außenministerium der Republik (n.d.), “Fight Against Racism and Discrimination,” (accessed January 12, 2024), [available at https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/fight-against-racism, https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/fight-against-racism].

 

2 “racism – European Commission” (n.d.), (accessed January 12, 2024), [available at https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary/glossary/racism_en].

Prevent Discrimination and Racism

Recommendations to prevent discrimination and racism

Despite diversity and inclusion, unfortunately, discrimination and racism still occur. Remember that discrimination and racism are never acceptable and every person has the right to be respected. Here are some recommendations to help prevent discrimination and racism, and ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all.

Recall facts of the situation

If you are a victim of racism or discriminatory statements, stereotyping or jokes, remember that none are acceptable. You are not alone.

If possible, try to maintain a calm, sensible mindset to address the situation. If you feel comfortable, speak to a trusted friend or classmate about the incident so that you are not alone with the trauma. If you feel comfortable, talk to an FH OÖ professor or staff member to report it and determine the next course of action. If you feel comfortable, report it here:  Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K).

Stand up to racism and discrimination

If you witness racism or discriminatory statements, stereotyping or jokes, remember that none are acceptable. Be an ally and stand in solidarity with victims by making your presence known, listening to the victim’s recollection of the situation, reminding victims that they are not alone, and asking if and how they want support.

Commit to ensuring that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all by listening to and supporting victims.

Educate yourself and expand your perspectives

Commit to expanding your perspectives. Engage in conversations with people who are different than you are — in life experiences, language, ethnic origin, gender, religion, ideology, and age — to learn about their perspectives and understand how racism and discrimination affects them. Commit to unlearning your own biases and educate yourself about how to stand up to racism and discrimination.

If you see something, say something!

You cannot control the behaviour of others, but you can help ensure that FH OÖ is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all. It’s possible to help prevent racism and discrimination by calling out and reporting it. For example, call out racism or discrimination by stating “That view is offensive” or “That behaviour is discriminatory and disrespectful.”

If you feel comfortable, anonymously report it here:  Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K).

Further information to identify, prevent, and report discrimination and racism

Learn about the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K)

Link

Need Help? Anonymously Report to the FH OÖ GDM-K

Link

Need Help? Contact an FH OÖ Mental Health First Responder on your Campus

Link

Need Help? Contact the ÖH FH OÖ Student Helpline

Link

ZARA Civil Courage and Anti-Racism-Work

Link

Federal Ministry Republic of Austria: Fight Against Racism and Discrimination

Link

Fulbrightaustria: HERstory: A Woman of Color’s Journey through Three Countries

Link

Counseling Centers to receive more support

Ombud for Equal Treatment

Personal and free consultation (also with translation service)

Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Phone: 0800 – 206 119 (Consultation and reporting of an incident)

Phone: 0732 – 783 877 (Regional Office for Upper Austria)

Mail: gaw@bka.gc.at

www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.at

Handout of the FH OÖ: Need Some Help – First orientation for problems around studying

Would you like to contact us or improve FH OÖ Compass? We look forward to hearing from you!

You are welcome to send us (Compass-Team) a message anonymously or directly.

    • If you want to write anonymously, just type the message and send it.
    • If you have a personal question and need an answer, please also include your email address!

Directly

12 + 11 =