The General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeine Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) (German)) provides for a right of complaint and the establishment of a Complaints Office for employees in cases of discrimination (Section 13 AGG). In addition, all Goethe University members and affiliates, including students, who experience discrimination in the university context have the right to file a formal complaint.
The university is responsible for ensuring that no personal, professional or study-related disadvantages arise as a result of the complaint for persons affected and those supporting them.
If you are considering initiating a formal complaints procedure, we recommend you to seek confidential advice beforehand from one of the counsellors at the Equal Opportunities Office. We can discuss your options together and advise you on the complaints procedure. We are also happy to accompany and support you during the process.
The complaints procedure is a formal university procedure. In contrast to counselling, which is confidential, in this procedure the complainant is not entitled to a confidential and anonymous handling of their complaint.
Insofar as university management is obliged to take action (in particular if criminal offences and/or conduct relevant under disciplinary law are/is involved), the procedure can also be continued even if the person concerned changes their mind.