MCQST Guidelines

The Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) is dedicated to providing a harassment- and discrimination-free experience at the workplace and in participating in MCQST events – regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion [1]. In accordance with the Basic Law of the Republic of Germany [2], the General Act on Equal Treatment [3], and the Higher Educations Law [4] we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any form at any MCQST workplace or event organized or funded by MCQST. Discrimination is defined by the result, not the motive of a behavior or an action [5]. There are various forms of discrimination. These include:

Immediate discrimination
Immediate discrimination means that a person receives less beneficial treatment in comparison with another person because of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. The objective possibility of discrimination – not conscious or intended discrimination - qualifies immediate discrimination.

Mediate discrimination
Mediate discrimination can be seemingly neutral behavior, regulations or procedures that when put in action have the effect of discriminating a specific group of people. This might be objectively justified.

Harassment
Harassment is a violation of a person’s dignity by unwanted behavior, particularly, by creating an atmosphere of intimidation, hostility, humiliation, degradation and defamation. Whether behavior is unwanted or not is defined by the perception of the affected person. It is not necessary that harassed people defend themselves or draw attention to the harassment in order for it to be qualified as harassment.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment means that discriminating behavior is additionally sexually determined.
Harassment and sexual harassment includes, for example:

• Verbal comments that reinforce stereotypes or discrimination of any kind (related to gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or socio-economic background).

• Verbal comments perceived to be disrespectful or hurtful.

• Unprofessional, sustained disruption of the seminar program and discussions.

• Insinuating jokes, sexist behavior or remarks concerning appearance, behavior, or private life.

• Unwanted physical contact.

If a MCQST member or event participant engages in discriminating or harassing behavior at any MCQST event, the following measures can ensue:

• suspension of participation
• disciplinary measures
• written reprimand
• written formal warning
• obligatory availment of coaching or other professional advice
• transfer of the person(s)
• termination of contract
• criminal charges

[1] Based on § 1 AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz)
[2] Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Art. 3, 2.
[3] AGG § 1.
[4] Bayerisches Hochschulgesetz (BayHSchG), Art. 4 ,1; this includes disablility in accordance with BayHSchG Art. 2,3.
[5] Leitfaden: Diskriminierungsschutz an Hochschulen, p. 8, available at: www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de und Sexuelle Belästigung im Hochschulkontext.