Antigypsyism is the most pronounced of all group-related misogyny in all surveys. This affects all areas of life of people identified as Sinti and Roma.

Antigypsyism in German schools manifests itself in many ways and has a profound impact on the educational opportunities of affected children. Racist bullying by classmates and sometimes discriminatory behavior by teachers reinforce prejudices and stigmatize students with Rom*nja or Sinti*zze backgrounds. The exclusion of basic educational opportunities such as school and daycare places also leads to structural disadvantages for children. Educational practices such as the welcome classes try to address the problem, but are sometimes seen as segregated. A comprehensive examination of these mechanisms is crucial to enable equitable education design.

Together with our guest Guillermo Ruiz Torres, we will discuss the current situation as well as ways to counteract discrimination in the context of the Labora Lecture. In his input, Guillermo Ruiz Torres addresses the following topics in particular:

  • Basic features of antigypsyism in German society
  • Structural, individual and institutional antigypsyism at school
  • Possible strategies for action

This is supplemented by short inputs from Minor's studies and consulting work and discussed among the invited experts.

To our guest

Guillermo Ruiz Torres is Managing Director of the Antigypsyism Reporting and Information Centre. He holds a doctorate in political science, studied political science at the FU Berlin and a degree in law from the Universidad San Marcos in Lima (Peru). Other professional positions included the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, the Sozialfabrik e.V. and the European Roma Information Office (Brussels).

To the Labora Lectures

With the Labora lectures brings the Minor – Labora experts from science, politics and practice into an intensive exchange on issues and social developments that affect the shaping of the future of our society. We aim at mutual learning on innovative ideas, methods and approaches to improve the situation of marginalized or disadvantaged groups. We welcome the guests with a special wine, other drinks and some food that accompanies the evening in the fireplace room. The Labora lectures are organised and implemented in cooperation with Minor – Project Kontor for Education and Research, Minor – Science Society and La Red – Networking and Integration. 

The Labora lectures It's called Chatham House Rules.