"Embracing Variety as the Norm"
Free University Appoints Commissioner for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination
The Free University, located in Berlin, has taken a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. In June 2025, Carolin Loysa was appointed as the Commissioner for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination.
Loysa, a research assistant in cultural and social anthropology and gender studies, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is also the women's and equal opportunities officer at the Institute of Latin American Studies. Her appointment comes as part of the university's commitment to the Diversity Concept, a goal to develop the university into one that is free from discrimination and sensitive to diversity.
The Diversity Concept focuses on four diversity dimensions: trans, inter, and non-binary individuals (TIN*), people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, those affected by racism, and individuals from non-academic backgrounds. The Commission for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination, appointed by the Academic Senate, advises the Diversity and Anti-Discrimination unit in developing and implementing corresponding concepts and strategies.
Members of the commission bring different experiences of exclusion and disadvantage, ensuring a diverse perspective in decision-making processes. Loysa's role includes advocating for a diversity-sensitive view on budget cuts, a critical aspect considering the current financial constraints universities face.
The Diversity Concept of the Free University, published in 2021, will serve as the foundation for Loysa's work. The commission will pass on the needs from various departments and set topics for the Diversity and Anti-Discrimination unit. Loysa is keen to consider the situation of marginalized groups in the context of budget cuts, ensuring that the university's efforts towards inclusivity are not compromised.
While specific strategies and initiatives implemented by the Free University to promote diversity and anti-discrimination are not extensively documented in the available sources, we can infer from the broader landscape that any initiatives would likely focus on educational programming, promoting wellness and equity, and possibly adapting DEI programs to comply with tighter budgets and legal constraints.
The commission is composed to reflect the diversity of the university, with equal representation from the four member groups. Loysa will also be involved in appointment commissions, speaking in committees that decide on the appointment of new professors, ensuring diversity in all committees and decisions. The goal is to dismantle barriers for marginalized groups and integrate diversity into all processes and tasks of the university to promote real equality of opportunity.
The Berlin Higher Education Act, passed in 2021, requires all universities in the state to promote equal participation and dismantle existing barriers. Loysa's appointment and the establishment of the Commission for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination are significant steps towards achieving this goal at the Free University.
As universities worldwide navigate the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under budget constraints and political pressures, the Free University's commitment to these issues is commendable. Despite the obstacles, the university continues to strive for a more inclusive and equitable environment for all its members.
- The commission, appointed by the Academic Senate, advises the Diversity and Anti-Discrimination unit at the Free University in developing and implementing concepts and strategies related to policy-and-legislation on diversity-and-inclusion.
- Carolin Loysa, the newly appointed Commissioner for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination, will advocate for a diversity-sensitive view on budget cuts, an aspect critical to business-finance as universities face financial constraints.
- Loysa's role at the Free University also includes involvement in appointment commissions, ensuring politics in committee decisions reflect diversity-and-inclusion, speaking in committees that decide on the appointment of new professors.
- General-news sources indicate that while specific strategies and initiatives implemented by the Free University to promote diversity and anti-discrimination are not extensively documented, they are likely to focus on education-and-self-development, promoting wellness and equity, and adapting DEI programs to comply with tighter budgets and legal constraints.
