German Faculty Association Urges Universities to Implement Ombuds Programs
Allgemeiner Fakultätentag, the nationwide umbrella organization for 19 faculty associations and an influential voice on higher education policy in Germany, has issued a position paper addressing power imbalances and misconduct in academic settings, and urging universities to create Ombuds programs. The statement links hierarchical structures and dependency relationships to risks of abuse, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and violations of good scientific practice. AFT calls on universities to promote a culture of openness and accountability and to strengthen preventive measures such as awareness training and responsible leadership development.
The paper highlights the need for professionally staffed, independent, and well-resourced Ombuds and advisory offices at both university and state levels. AFT points out that Ombuds would offer confidential, non-legal support, ensure due process for all parties, and coordinate cross-institutional learning and reporting mechanisms. AFT also cautioned against blanket legislative reforms, arguing that effective prevention depends on participatory, transparent structures developed jointly by university leadership and faculty communities. (AFT Position Paper.)
Does anyone know how to have this paper translated into English?
ReplyDeleteI used both Google Translate and AI to translate and summarize.
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