Racism
The University of Lucerne is committed to creating an inclusive academic and working environment that is free from discrimination and racism. Discrimination on the grounds of national or ethnic origin, language, or religion is prohibited under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, and the University actively opposes racism at structural, institutional and individual levels.
This commitment is enshrined in the University's Statutes and forms a core part of its diversity strategy. Working from a dedicated implementation plan, the University takes concrete measures to foster a culture that is sensitive to discrimination and critical of racism.
Advice and support
The Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of Lucerne offers support and guidance to members of the university community who have experienced racial discrimination, witnessed a racist incident, or have questions about racism.
Find out more about the Office’s advisory services
Contact: Fleur Weibel, Co-Head of the Office of Equal Opportunity, fleur.weibel@unilu.ch
Racism is both an ideology and a practice that categorises and ranks people according to their actual or perceived ethnic, national or religious identity. Rather than being seen as individuals, people are viewed and devalued as members of homogeneous groups on the basis of physical or cultural characteristics, such as skin colour, origin, language, or religion.
This ranking of people and population groups - which is sometimes unintentional or even unconscious - shapes social structures, institutions and dynamics, and gives rise to unequal power relations, exclusion and privilege. Racism cannot therefore be attributed solely to the actions of individuals, however malicious. It is historically, socially and culturally transmitted, and embedded in broader social structures. As such, racism is a societal problem - and one that must also be addressed within the university.
Agreeing on a shared understanding of terms related to racism and racial discrimination can itself be a challenge - and negotiating these definitions is part of any substantive engagement with the issue.
The Federal Commission against Racism (FRB) offers a comprehensive overview of key concepts, including definitions of the various forms of racism and types of racial discrimination, in its online glossary: FRB glossary.
The Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of Lucerne draws on this glossary as the basis for its work.
Support network for victims of racism
Specialist Unit for Combating Racism (FRB)
Federal Commission against Racism (FCR)
Fabia – Contact point for protection against discrimination in the Canton of Lucerne
Guide: “Non-discriminatory communication. Focus on migration” by the Canton of Lucerne (2014).
Information from the City of Lucerne on racism and discrimination (e.g. reporting tool and action week).
