rainbow flag on the Campus

Fly your flag on the International Day for Tolerance

November 16, 2021, Nr. 87

rainbow flags will be on display to signify that the university is a place of tolerance
[Picture: University of Stuttgart/Regenscheit]

The University of Stuttgart will be flying its flag on the International Day for Tolerance. Rector Prof. Wolfram Ressel; the Vice Rector for Diversity and Internationalization, Prof. Silke Wieprecht; Chancellor Jan Gerken; and the Spokesperson for Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Affairs for the stuvus Student Council, Theresa Raisch, together hoisted the rainbow flag at Campus Stadtmitte, in the presence of representatives from the Interessengemeinschaft Christopher Street Day Stuttgart e.V. (IG CSD). The rainbow flag was also flying at Campus Vaihingen on this important day.

Regenbogenflagge auf dem Campus Stadtmitte

Rector Prof. Wolfram Ressel emphasizes that, "Tolerance is one of the university's most urgent educational goals and is essential for excellent science." "Alongside tolerance; solidarity, understanding and respectful treatment between individuals have always been deeply embedded in our university culture. By raising the rainbow flag, we want to make this visible and demonstrate for all to see that the University of Stuttgart is a place of tolerance."

Prorector Prof. Silke Wieprecht also emphasizes the significance of this symbolic act for the university: "The rainbow flag stands for diversity, respect and self-determination all over the world. We at the University of Stuttgart are taking a stand for freedom and for the belief that people should be able to live their chosen lifestyle without facing exclusion or discrimination. With this positive and cheerful symbol, the University of Stuttgart is proud to visibly demonstrate its support for tolerance!"

Detlef Raasch, board member of the IG CSD Stuttgart e.V., also emphasizes how symbolic and meaningful this flag is: "The rainbow flag is the symbol of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender individuals, intersexuals, and queer people. It is a flag that stands for human rights, for acceptance, equality and respect. Regardless of people's origin, skin color, religion, or sexual orientation He is also very pleased about the University of Stuttgart's initiative: "We, the IG CSD Stuttgart e.V. are delighted that the University of Stuttgart has raised the rainbow flag on the university campus to mark the "International Day for Tolerance". This is a clear and visible sign that the university supports an intelligent handling of diversity and a symbol of welcome for our LGBTTIQ community.

Theresa Raisch, Spokesperson for Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Affairs for the stuvus Student Council, also highlights how important such a sign is for the students: "It is nice to see that the University of Stuttgart is making a statement that all students are welcome here". She is pleased, but at the same time urges that such initiatives must be further intensified: "Now is the time to do even more to make the University of Stuttgart a place free of discrimination."

Group picture with representatives of the university, stuvus and IG CSD
Group picture with representatives of the university, stuvus and IG CSD in front of the rainbow flag on campus

About the Day for Tolerance

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the International Day for Tolerance in 1995. At that time, 185 member states signed the “Declaration of Principles on Tolerance” – with the aim of enabling peaceful coexistence. At that time, the member states declared that they would "Resolve to take all positive measures necessary to promote tolerance in our societies, because tolerance is not only a cherished principle, but also a necessity for peace and for the economic and social advancement of all peoples."

Tolerance is the respect, acceptance and recognition of cultures and all individuals in all their diversity, forms and expressions. It is only possible if knowledge, openness, communication, freedom of thought, conscience and faith are guaranteed.

Link to the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance

Group picture in front of the rainbow flag
f.l.t.r. Selma Frey, Prof. Ressel, Prof. Wieprecht, Chancellor Gerken, Felicitas Leese
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