Diversity und social justice

The term “diversity” refers to social plurality, heterogeneity, and differences in living situations and lifestyles. Social and cultural diversity is not something that is simply given, but rather the result of negotiation processes and differentiation. What we perceive and evaluate as foreign, different, equal, or normal depends on historical, socio-cultural, political, and economic contexts. The diversity of differentiations and possibilities for belonging is also linked to questions of power and social exclusion.

For the higher education sector, the term “diversity policies” would be more appropriate than “diversity management,” as it also allows for a perspective on social relationships.

Why is the topic of “diversity” relevant for Leuphana?

Social heterogeneity is an everyday reality, but this is not reflected to the same extent at German universities, even though the student body in Germany is becoming increasingly heterogeneous. The low proportion of teachers of color, female professors, students with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and first-generation students at German universities are just four of many examples that show that admission to German universities is still accompanied by a high degree of social selection. That is why it is important to promote an inclusive, equitable, and appreciative university culture and structure.

By signing the Diversity Charter at the Leuphana Salon on  ‘Diversity between aspiration and reality’ in 2014, Leuphana set an example for an appreciative, open and equal opportunity university culture. Due to the strong focus of the Diversity Charter on companies, participants in the salon expressed the desire to adapt it to the specific circumstances of Leuphana University. In an interactive follow-up workshop in July 2015 entitled ‘Bringing the Diversity Charter to life – Leuphana University's self-assessment’ and a small working group that emerged from it, the original Diversity Charter was revised. The resulting code was discussed and agreed upon in 2016/2017 at various university levels, such as the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Equal Opportunities Council, the faculties and the Senate.

To the Leuphana University Lüneburg Code of Conduct ‘Diversity as an Opportunity’