Statement of Solidarity

To those affected by sexual harassment by a former employee of the University of Freiburg

Note: This message contains content related to sexualized violence


We, the staff of the Student Sustainability Office, would like to express our solidarity and compassion with the students, employees, and tenants who have experienced sexualised harassment by a former employee of the University of Freiburg. Since 2009, he systematically filmed more than 800 women* using hidden cameras: in bathrooms and restrooms, in the context of his work at the university, and in apartments that he deliberately rented to first-semester female students. As a study advisor and landlord, the perpetrator thus deliberately exploited his position of power and the dependencies associated with it.


We are both sad and angry about this incident, as well as by the inadequate way in which it has been addressed and processed thus far. We stand with those affected and urge the community to take their experiences seriously. This case once again highlights the need for consistent engagement with structural forms of patriarchal violence. Those affected report being left alone after experiencing harassment, having to organise support independently. In this case, the university’s protection concept failed. When such mechanisms fail in specific situations, it raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness of existing structures in addressing abuse of power and sexualised violence. As students and employees of the Sustainability Office, we feel that our trust in the university’s protective structures has been violated.


We consider it essential that structural changes are now initiated and communicated transparently. The university has announced that it will develop a new protection concept and involve external support in processing the case. However, concrete measures must follow these announcements. Ultimately, trust cannot be restored through words alone; it must be rebuilt through comprehensible steps, a clear assumption of responsibility and effective improvements in protection against abuse of power and sexualised violence. We will closely observe this process and advocate transparency in communicating further developments. At the same time, we would like to actively support this process and contribute constructively within our capabilities.


We thank all women* for their courage and commitment in making their stories public. Our full solidarity also extends to those affected who have not spoken out, as well as to the unsettled students and employees who are wondering whether they, too, might be affected.


Team of the Student Sustainability Office


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*The cameras were installed in the women’s restrooms. Since, for example, non-binary people or trans men may also use these facilities, the term “women” may be insufficient here.


Counselling services:
    
If a potentially affected person would like to take legal action, there is the option of obtaining an initial assessment through the StuRa’s free legal counselling service. This takes place on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is possible via email at info@stura.uni-freiburg.de.


Frauenhorizonte (counselling centre for sexual harassment): +49 761 2858585, info@frauenhorizonte-freiburg.de


University contact for discrimination and abuse of power: protect@zv.uni-freiburg.de


University contact for sexual harassment and stalking: gleichstellungsbeauftragte@uni-freiburg.de


Psychological counselling service of the SWFR: +49 761 2101269