Cosmopolitan University

The University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA) boasts a specific role in the academic landscape of Germany. As a state-recognised university, we thrive on a fundamentally secured freedom of academics, research and teaching, and are committed to this freedom. Under the authority of the National Employment Agency (BA), we, in academic education, are dedicated to the academic and professional expertise of the employees of the BA.

We as the HdBA stand for the formation and preservation of an open and democratic society which should provide protection against discrimination for everyone. We are an internationally oriented, cosmopolitan university. With reference to a statement made by the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV), we at the HdBA strongly emphasise the importance of international exchange for academics and the need for open dialogue across borders and disciplines.

As the HdBA, we are dedicated to academic freedom based on the free democratic basic principle of the German constitution. It represents a host of roles. It is essential to respect and allow different opinions as long as they are based on valid findings, and contribute to constructive discourse. Based on the principle of a critical-rational take on academics, intimidation, bullying or boycotting have no place in this field either. Antidemocratic statements made by academics that disrespect human rights are not protected per se by academic freedom and freedom of expression. We at the HdBA therefore reject any form of anti-democratic and inhumane statements or actions. As an academic institution, we promote diversity, equality and cosmopolitanism, taking a firm stance against anti-semitism and other forms of discrimination against people as well as all anti-constitutional activities.

Battling discrimination and racism is not only an important task with regard to academic freedom but also an obligation of the BA as a central organisation in a functioning social market economy. It is therefore essential that experts at the HdBA address discrimination and racism and its consequences in their training and ongoing education programmes. To promote critical reflection on stereotypes and prejudices alongside imparting knowledge, corresponding courses are already anchored in our degree programmes and ongoing academic education and will continue to be developed. The HdBA engages in lively international exchange with academic institutions and employment services in numerous partner countries.

In agreement with all major academic organisations in Germany, we, the Senate and the university management of the HdBA, emphasise that anti-Semitism, racism, sexism, intolerance and exclusionary ideas and resentment have no place in Germany or the world. The rector of the HdBA, Prof. Dr. habil. Andreas Frey, therefore signed the Diversity Charter in May 2024 to firmly reinforce this. We therefore stand side by side with colleges and universities to jointly preserve and further underpin democratic values.