Our goal is that fairness, equality and respect in social interaction, also when dealing with conflicts, becomes a matter of course at the KHM. This can only happen if every single person—no matter whether student or member of staff—takes responsibility and supports a culture of awareness by bearing witness and being an agent for equality, by not looking away when conflict arises or is imminent. Sexualised violence, harassment, discrimination and derogatory behaviour must not be allowed any place at the art academy or elsewhere!

Definitions

Discrimination
Discrimination is any form of prejudicial and arbitrary treatment of a person based on their race, religion, nationality, background, physical abilities, disabilities, political activities, sexual identity or because of their age or gender. This includes, in particular, verbal or written statements to this end.

Abuse of power / Bullying

Abuse of power is the exploitation of relationships of dependency at the place of work and/or study as well as through dealing with resources under the threat and/or actualisation of personal or occupational disadvantages or with the promise of advantages.

Bullying is harassment by one or several people of an individual or a group of people, that stretches over a long period of time and is characteristic of the relationship between those concerned. The intention behind this behaviour is, as a rule, to damage the reputation of the victim and/or to drive them out of their position. Examples of such behaviour are:

- slander directed at members of the academy and their families

- spreading of rumours about members of the academy and their families

- the deliberate withholding of information essential to work or conscious use of disinformation

- threats and humiliation

- verbal abuse and damaging treatment

- degrading treatment by superiors, for example, the assignment of unachievable or pointless duties, or none at all

Sexual harassment and violence
Sexual harassment in the work place is any sexual activity or insinuation that is visibly rejected by those affected. The rejection can be explicit; but it can also be expressed through gestures or any other defensive or evasive behaviour. Examples of sexual activities are:

- unwanted physical contact

- suggestive and personal remarks, comments or jokes

- unwanted showing of sexist and pornographic representations

- requesting/demanding sexual activity

- suggesting that sexual accommodation could result in professional advantages

- rape

Counselling at the KHM / contacts

Counselling is available at the following places. Should no resolution be reached through counselling, those concerned may choose to undertake formal complaint proceedings. Before taking such steps it is advisable to acquire more in-depth information about occupational and legal options at the places/contacts listed below. The principles of such counselling are: anonymity, its voluntary nature, confidentiality, (professional) independence and neutrality – provided that the counsellor is not bound by an obligation to act.

Contacts for students of the KHM
- student advice service

- teaching staff (provided that the counsellor is not bound by an obligation to act)

- AStA

- equal opportunities officer

- representative for students with disabilities or chronic illness

- ombudsman’s office (independent and confidential advice)

Contacts for employees of the KHM

- immediate superiors (provided that the counsellor is not bound by an obligation to act)

- staff committee representative

- equal opportunities officer

- ombudsman’s office (independent and confidential advice)