How can we intervene when power is abused or boundaries are crossed? What can we do when colleagues or fellow students are being degraded—and we’re “just” bystanders? This workshop focuses on the role of bystanders in situations involving abuse of power within the university context. Using real-life case examples and practical exercises, participants will learn how to better assess such situations and respond appropriately. The aim is to strengthen individual agency and promote supportive, collective action.

Workshop content:

• Reflecting on personal responses in challenging situations
• Learning about the 5Ds of bystander intervention
• Practicing with real-life scenarios from teaching, research, and administration
• Space for exchange, experience-sharing, and questions

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of power dynamics and abuse of power in academia is helpful (e.g., through participation in one of the introductory lectures in this event series) but not required.

Trainers: Dr. Daniela Heitzmann and Dr. Maria Lau

Daniela Heitzmann holds a PhD in sociology and works as Diversity Policy Officer and Deputy Head at the Equal Opportunities Office at Goethe University Frankfurt.

Maria Lau holds a PhD in art history and is a trained Diversity and Social Justice trainer. She heads the Equality and Diversity Office at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

Participant limit: 20 people per workshop | Registration required

Language: German

Workshop registration: The registration is open from 01 October 2025.

The lecture is part of the RMU Winter Series 2025: Challenging Abuse of Power in Academia, organized by the Gender Equality Office of TU Darmstadt, the Equality and Diversity Office at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and the Equal Opportunities Office at Goethe University Frankfurt.