Making diversity visible

From 19 to 27 May 2025, the Diversity Office at Friedrich Schiller University Jena hosted the Days of Diversity with the kind support of the student services organisation Studierendenwerk Thüringen. The highlight was the German Diversity Day on 27 May, when a colourful programme brought diversity to life on the Ernst Abbe Campus.

Numerous visitors took the opportunity to engage with the topic of diversity in interactive formats. The wheelchair course and trying out a stair caterpillar were particularly popular - both tenders made barriers tangible and raised awareness of inclusion. There was also a wheel of fortune with small prizes. Food and drink were also catered for: the student services organisation Jena provided a barbecue stand and, as a special highlight, the Biebereis ice cream stand was very popular. The jazz duo "Boom Boom Broom" provided a musical contribution on stage. In her speech, Vice President for University Community and Engagement, Prof. Dr Bärbel Kracke, emphasised the importance of diversity for an open and future-oriented university.

Visitors were able to share their wishes for a vibrant and diverse university community in direct dialogue with the university management or digitally via a QR code. The ideas collected, e.g. for further event formats for more dialogue, will now be evaluated and taken into account for future initiatives and projects.

Intensive dialogue for more togetherness and tolerance

The supporting programme throughout the week also highlighted a variety of perspectives and opened up new approaches. A particular highlight was the queer reading by the art collective Kontra, in which participants performed their own texts on LGBTQ topics - a moving contribution to making queer experiences and voices visible on campus.

The series of events also recognised the diverse commitment of numerous university and external initiatives that work towards inclusive and respectful coexistence on a daily basis. The Diversity Days 2025 showed once again that diversity is not just a buzzword, but a living reality at the University of Jena. Openness, exchange and mutual respect are the basis for learning and researching together - and for a sustainable community. Friedrich Schiller University sees itself as a place of encounter - a space where students, researchers and employees from a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse perspectives come together. This diversity was impressively highlighted by the programme of events.

With the Diversity Days, the University of Jena is participating in the nationwide Diversity Charter initiative. Numerous institutions of higher education in Thuringia were involved in the activities surrounding Diversity Day via the Diversity Network. The aim of the day of action is to make diversity visible in all its facets and promote open dialogue. Dedicated stakeholders from various subjects) areas|field at the University of Jena contributed ideas, commitment and energy to the planning and implementation of the series of events - we would like to express our sincere thanks to them.

Television report on Diversity Day | MDR Thüringen

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