Programs 2021

"Diversity means to me a wealth of many different identities in a space, whose peaceful maintenance should be promoted by a coming together of each participant."

Latifa Artebas has Algerian roots and grew up in Germany. She is studying French cultural studies, intercultural communication, and business administration at Saarland University. Through her job as a working student in a consulting firm that, among other things, deals between Africa and Germany, she comes into contact with diversity in everyday life. She is also involved in several projects of the association AISA ONG Internationale, whose guiding principle is to show that the essential values of spiritual Islam contribute to creating a fairer and more humane world. In this way, she advocates for intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

"To me, diversity means open-minded encounters, opportunities and enrichment."

She is the head of the Office for Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management at Saarland University since 2021. She is a cultural and literary scholar, who holds both German and French citizenship. Her Polish grandmother, a her uncles from Croatia and Spain have shaped her cosmopolitan view of community life.

"To me, diversity means accepting differences as a normal part of life. There is no reason why anyone should be treated unfairly because of these differences."

My name is Lisa and I was born and raised in Saarland. Since I grew up in the tri-border area Saar-Lor-Lux, I am a convinced European. After finishing school, I moved to Frankfurt am Main to study economics. Once I’d graduated, I felt drawn back to my home region. In Saarbrücken, I began studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics. I have suffered from depression since my teenage years and have found my way of living with the condition. I am open-minded and a firm believer in cross-border solidarity. Outside of my studies, I am active in the Computer Science student union and give dance lessons at a local sports club.

"In line with Bhaba, I too initially view the concept of ‘diversity’ as a battle- and an hollow term, but I see in it a societal goal that can in a dynamic process get further filled with meaning."

As a quality manager, Aurore Reck oversees the system accreditation process at Saarland University, where she is also involved in the university’s ‘Anti-Racism Working Group’. In addition, the cultural studies scholar – who was born in Madagascar and grew up in Germany – is working on her doctoral thesis on integration concepts in Europe, which she examines from a cultural-historical perspective. Her previous professional experience in non-European contexts (countries in Central and West Africa) has deepened her interest in the relations between Europe and the Global South.

"To me, diversity means the freedom and the right to be who you are."

Lukas Redemann is a student on the tri-national Master’s programme in Border Studies at the universities of Saarland, Luxembourg, Lorraine and the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. He is a student senator, Chairman of the Student Parliament and a member of numerous other bodies and committees at Saarland University. Following numerous stays abroad (Canada, India, Senegal) and a Bachelor’s degree in French Cultural Studies and Intercultural Communication, he is committed to greater participation of international students in university policy, a more diverse higher education landscape and better study conditions.

"To me, diversity means that everyone has the same opportunities to live and that their individual needs are taken into account."

My name is Emily Lailah Strauß, I’m studying HoK (with a focus on theology) and Gender Studies. I’m 23 years old and have been out as a trans* woman for a year and coming from a working-class background, I have experienced intersectionality first-hand.

"Diversity means for me the guarantee of a sustainable and peaceful coexistence in society."

My name is Quentin Tsangue from Cameroon. I am studying for a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication and am involved with the Association of African Students in Saarland as well as the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Saarland, where I focus on issues relating to political education and social analysis from an African perspective.

"For me, diversity means tolerance and acceptance of every single person!"

Field of study: History-oriented Cultural Studies; Modern and Contemporary History; Economic and Social History; Art History; General and Comparative Literature

Number of semesters: 8

I have been a representative on the AStA at Saarland University since July 2019, and one of two chairpersons since December 2020. As a bi-national person who has two ‘homes’ and grew up in two cultures, issues such as inclusion, tolerance and acceptance have always been particularly important to me. Since becoming involved at the university, this has intensified and broadened enormously. Issues such as gender or mental and physical disabilities are something we encounter regularly in our work at the AStA. My personal goal is to treat everyone with openness and tolerance! And to be free from any prejudices regarding religion, background or appearance.

"Diversity must be put into practice! For me, it means recognising the entirety of the all-encompassing human condition, in all its facets and forms!"

Lina Dacharry has French, German and Colombian roots and is studying French Cultural Studies and Intercultural Communication at Saarland University. She has been working in the university’s International Office since 2015, where she helps to improve the integration of international students. She is also involved in projects such as the Housing Office, which offers comprehensive support in finding accommodation for newly arrived international students. In 2019, she was personally honoured in Berlin by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for her social commitment to German society. Since 2019, Lina Dacharry has also been part of the team for the DIES International Dean’s Course Latin America, a higher education management project funded by the DAAD and the HRK. Furthermore, since 2020 she has been the coordinator of a Franco-German youth cooperation programme, which is aimed particularly at young people in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Forbach, France.

"To me, diversity means equality and relationships that transcend stereotypes."

Mario Laarmann is a cultural and literary scholar and a research associate at Saarland University. He is a member of the independent project group “AG Antirassismus” at Saarland University, the collective “barazani.berlin”, and a board member of “socare – Gesellschaft für Karibikforschung e.V.” His academic and activist work takes an intersectional approach to issues of colonialism, coloniality and anti-racism in discourse and practice, and seeks ways to achieve a more conscious and just society.