Racism

FH OÖ’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

FH OÖ Compass upholds the 10 guiding principles of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. Therefore, FH OÖ Compass upholds guiding principle 2, which states: “We represent a value system that does not tolerate any form of discrimination, be it on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual orientation.”

Additionally, FH OÖ Compass upholds guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.”

FH OÖ commits to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Here you’ll find resources to identify, prevent, and report discrimination and racism.

Identify Discrimination and Racism

According to the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria European and International Affairs, discrimination is defined as treating persons unequally “based on personal characteristics such as sex, race, colour, national or social origin, religion, language or opinion.”1 

According to the European Union Commission, racism is defined as “ideas or theories of superiority of one race or group of persons of one ethnic origin.” 2

Discrimination and racism are never acceptable. However, unfortunately, they still occur. Here are resources and recommendations to identify, prevent, and report discrimination and racism to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all students, professors, and staff at FH OÖ.

In order to identify discrimination and racism, it’s essential to become aware of your own perspective and biases, which are often a result of your upbringing, life experiences, and country of origin. Educate yourself and expand your perspectives by unlearning your own biases and engaging in constructive conversations with others.

The FH OÖ Compass upholds the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s guiding principle 10, which states: “We are committed to the fundamental right to education for all people and support people nationally and internationally in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.” FH OÖ students are encouraged to continue learning and unlearning their biases and perspectives to develop and grow.

1 Österreich, Außenministerium der Republik (n.d.), “Fight Against Racism and Discrimination,” (accessed January 12, 2024), [available at https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/fight-against-racism].

2 “racism – European Commission” (n.d.), (accessed January 12, 2024), [available at https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary_en ].

Recall facts of the situation

If you are a victim of racism or discriminatory statements, stereotyping or jokes, remember that none are acceptable. You are not alone.

If possible, try to maintain a calm, sensible mindset to address the situation. If you feel comfortable, speak to a trusted friend or classmate about the incident so that you are not alone with the trauma. If you feel comfortable, talk to an FH OÖ professor or staff member to report it and determine the next course of action. If you feel comfortable, report it here:  Anonymous Report to the FH OÖ Gender and Diversity Management Conference (GDM-K)

Stand up to racism and discrimination

If you witness racism or discriminatory statements, stereotyping or jokes, remember that none are acceptable. Be an ally and stand in solidarity with victims by making your presence known, listening to the victim’s recollection of the situation, reminding victims that they are not alone, and asking if and how they want support.

Commit to ensuring that FH OÖ is a safe, inclusive, and positive community for all by listening to and supporting victims.

Educate yourself and expand your perspectives

Commit to expanding your perspectives. Engage in conversations with people who are different than you are — in life experiences, language, ethnic origin, gender, religion, ideology, and age — to learn about their perspectives and understand how racism and discrimination affects them. Commit to unlearning your own biases and educate yourself about how to stand up to racism and discrimination

Everyday Racsim

Racism is not always loud or openly hostile. In many cases, it appears in subtle comments, assumptions, or everyday interactions that may seem harmless to some people but can have a lasting impact on those affected. These experiences are often referred to as everyday racism or microaggressions.

Understanding these forms of discrimination is an important step toward creating an inclusive and respectful environment within universities and society as a whole.

What is Everyday Racism?

Everyday racism describes repeated, often subtle experiences of discrimination that people face in daily life because of their skin color, ethnicity, culture, religion, or perceived background. The term was developed by researcher Philomena Essed to explain how racism is embedded in ordinary social interactions and structures, not only in extreme acts of hatred or violence.

These experiences may include comments, behaviors, or assumptions that portray certain people as “different,” “foreign,” or less accepted within society. Even when such actions are not intended to offend, they can reinforce exclusion and inequality.

What Are Microaggressions?

Microaggressions are subtle verbal, behavioral, or environmental actions that communicate prejudice or stereotypes toward marginalized groups. They are often unintentional, which is why they can be difficult to recognize.

Examples include:

• “Where are you really from?”
• “You speak English so well.”
• Mistaking a person of color for service staff or assuming they do not belong in academic spaces
• Making jokes or comments based on stereotypes
• Expressing surprise at someone’s achievements because of their background

Although these remarks may appear small in isolation, repeated experiences can create feelings of exclusion and emotional stress. Researchers describe microaggressions as a form of everyday discrimination that reflects broader social inequalities.

Why Intent Is Not the Only Issue

A key aspect of discussions about microaggressions is the difference between intent and impact. A person may not intend to offend or discriminate, yet their words or actions can still negatively affect others.

For many affected individuals, the issue is not one isolated comment, but the accumulation of repeated experiences over time. Being constantly questioned, stereotyped, or treated as an outsider can contribute to stress, frustration, and a sense of not fully belonging

Further information to identify, prevent, and report discrimination and racism

Counseling Centers to receive more support

Ombud for Equal Treatment

Personal and free consultation (also with translation service)

Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Phone: 0800 – 206 119 (Consultation and reporting of an incident)

Phone: 0732 – 783 877 (Regional Office for Upper Austria)

Mail: gaw@bka.gc.at

www.gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft.at

Handout of the FH OÖ: Need Some Help – First orientation for problems around studying