Darmstadt (dpa / lhe) – The state of Hesse would like to take more action against discrimination. Minister of Social Affairs Kai Klose presented a new campaign in Darmstadt. Discrimination is “still commonplace in Hesse,” said the Greens politician on Wednesday. For around two years, videos and audios with stories and experiences of those affected will be published regularly and Hessian places of engagement will be presented. Additional free training courses are to round off the project from April 2023.
The campaign was launched under the motto “Hessen. There’s still room for improvement.” in the Darmstadt State Theater. This is itself a “place of power” for young people who have experienced racism. There is a project there dedicated to West African dances. It is intended to bring the traditions and cultures of West Africa closer to young dance students and at the same time give them self-confidence for the present in Hesse. It is a space where young people are not judged and where they can feel comfortable.
Discrimination work is a continuous process, emphasized Klose. The nationwide campaign is aimed at a Hessen in which people should respect each other in their differences. The left was somewhat more critical. Group leader Elisabeth Kula described the campaign as a “big theatrical production”. It is important to involve groups and projects that are affected by discrimination and that work against discrimination. But that’s not enough. There are not enough counseling centers in the country. Due to the lack of a legal basis, one faces the problem that one cannot recommend legally binding steps to people to defend themselves against state discrimination, said Kula.
