Statement by the GESIS management
7 June 2024
The management of GESIS is committed to democracy, diversity and an open society and opposes anti-democratic movements and discrimination, particularly based on ethnic origin or racial grounds, gender or sexual identity, religion or belief, disability, or age.[1] The Institute's management endorses the statements of the Leibniz Association, the Alliance of Science Organizations in Germany and the German Rectors' Conference.[2]
In a globalized world in which ideas and innovations increasingly arise from intercultural and interdisciplinary cooperation, it is essential to create an environment that values diversity and firmly rejects any form of exclusion and discrimination. Open science and democracy are inextricably linked. Academic freedom and security for researchers are irrevocable principles for us. The institute is a place where mutual appreciation, critical thinking and an open culture of discussion are essential for respectful cooperation and fundamental to success.
With its research findings and services, GESIS contributes to an open, knowledge-based discourse and thus to the democratic formation of opinion. A working environment in which the aforementioned values are practiced on a daily basis is a top priority for the management of GESIS. The institute's management is committed to making the institute a non-discriminatory space and supports initiatives by employees for non-discriminatory interaction.
The institute's management stands behind all employees; their work makes an important contribution to a democratic society. GESIS has established clear procedures for dealing with cases of discrimination and harassment. These include preventative measures as well as concrete steps to support those affected and to punish misconduct.
Those affected by discrimination and harassment receive comprehensive support from the institute. It does not matter whether this occurs within the institute or through external bodies. GESIS also stands behind its employees if they are attacked from outside in a discriminatory or offensive manner in the course of their work. GESIS offers confidential advice and legal support to all those affected. Appropriate contact points and contact persons are listed on the intranet. Employees can also contact members of the institute management at any time.
Mannheim and Cologne, 7 June 2024
Johannes Blumenberg, Stefan Dietze, Agathe Gebert, Jost Henze, Holger Heuser, Alexia Katsanidou, Reinhard Pollak, Beatrice Rammstedt, Nicole Schulze, Sebastian Stier, Claudia Wagner, Katrin Weller, Christof Wolf, Jens Wolff
[1]General Act on Equal Treatment §1.
[2] Statements:
- Leibniz Association: "Supporting democracy and human dignity", Leibniz Association: Democracy and human dignity
- Alliance of Science Organizations in Germany: "For the future viability of our country, we must build on an open society and a strong democracy", Alliance statement Open society and strong democracy final (allianz-der-wissenschaftsorganisationen.de)
- German Rectors' Conference: "Science needs liberal democracy and the rule of law", press release - German Rectors' Conference (hrk.de)