The University of Lucerne is committed to fostering an inclusive and discrimination-sensitive environment for both study and work. It takes a clear stand against discrimination and actively promotes the protection of all members of its community. The University recognises, respects and values diversity, and is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities and barrier-free access to study and employment.

Discrimination on the grounds of gender, national or ethnic origin, lifestyle, age, social status, religious or political beliefs, or physical, mental or psychological disability is prohibited (Art. 8 of the Federal Constitution). Discrimination refers to any act or statement that aims to, or results in, unequal treatment or the demeaning of a person on the basis of one or more of these characteristics. It may take the form of explicit misconduct or verbal abuse, but can also appear in more subtle forms, such as belittlement or exclusionary practices.

The University’s commitment to combating discrimination is enshrined in its Statutes and forms a core element of its diversity strategy. Through a four-year implementation plan, targeted measures are being introduced in areas including sexual harassment, disability, mental health, racism, gender and sexual diversity, and social background. In this way, the University seeks to promote a culture that is both inclusive and sensitive to discrimination. Inclusion is understood as the respectful recognition of all members of the university community - valuing individuals precisely because of, rather than in spite of, their diversity and personal backgrounds.