By signing the Charter of Diversity, Hochschule Geisenheim University, represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Hans Reiner Schultz, has declared its fundamental commitment to fairness and appreciation of all its members of staff and students. "Diversity as A Chance – The Corporate Charter of Diversity for Germany" is an initiative under the patronage of Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel. Within the framework of the Charter companies commit themselves to creating a work environment free of prejudice and marginalization. They actively support an open company culture based on mutual respect.
"We know that our University plays an important part in promoting diversity and internationality in Germany. We assume the social responsibility that we have in addition to our commitment to research and teaching." Schultz says and adds, "Especially with regard to the change processes we have undergone since our University was founded and the growth our institution has experienced so far, a guideline such as the Charter of Diversity provides an important means for supporting a positive development of corporate and teaching culture."
For Hochschule Geisenheim University the Charter of Diversity means to further follow a path chosen: Already in 2015, the University joined the alliance of "Globally-Minded Universities against Xenophobia", in April 2016 it was awarded the status of "Family-Friendly University", being the third university in Hesse to have won this distinction. In addition, it actively supports refugees in the area.
"By signing the Charter of Diversity we want to motivate our staff and our students to live the values that Hochschule Geisenheim University and all its preceding institutions have already been representing for a long time," Schulz explains. This is why the University that educates students from more than 80 nations has added another section to the Charter which is tailored to the principles the University pursues and reads as follows, "We will create an environment for working, studying and living free from prejudice and discrimination which provides equal opportunities for studying and personal development for everybody based on their respective education."
Hochschule Geisenheim University strongly supports the statement of the Charter according to which, in view of globalization and demographic change, companies can only achieve economic success if they acknowledge and leverage existing diversity. That includes also students in their future working lives. In particular, diverse compentencies and talents on the parts of staff and students open new chances for innovative and creative solutions.
