Recently there has been harassment and discrimination at the university campus in Golm. There have also been break-ins, swastika graffiti, and vandalism. Sadly, these events reached a climax in early February with a brutal physical attack on university students that was motivated by right-wing, anti-queer and anti-transsexual ideology. We are shocked and appalled that such a violent attack has taken place at our university.
The University of Potsdam expresses its solidarity with those affected by this inhuman attack and condemns this violence in the strongest possible terms. Our university is a place that embraces gender diversity and that does not tolerate discrimination. The university opposes harassment and stands for a democratic culture and the equality of all human beings.
The University of Potsdam is doing everything in its power to ensure that these crimes are prosecuted and that the campus remains a safe place for everyone. No-one should feel as if they should be afraid of attacks. In this context, we have long engaged in close cooperation with the police and the city of Potsdam and have taken initial measures to deal with this.
If you witness a violent attack or are yourself attacked, we would like to encourage you to report the incident. You can find the relevant contacts at: https://polizei.brandenburg.de/standorte_und_erreichbarkeiten/id/66560
You can also consult with the counseling and support institutions at the University of Potsdam and the state of Brandenburg. We have compiled the following information: what you should do specifically if such an incident occurs, and an overview of resources that you can contact.
What should I do if I am affected by such an incident?
What should I do if I observe an incident?
Counseling at the University of Potsdam
Counseling Regarding Right-Wing Violence
Anti-Discrimination Offices
Queer Counseling in Brandenburg
Pastoral Care