Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover

A Serious Matter: Adressing and Preventing Abuse of Power

Abuse of power is a problem that affects society as a whole: wherever power relations exist in people's working and social lives, there is a risk of abuse. Universities are, of course, no exception. And the teaching and learning situation at music universities in particular is often characterised by a special personal proximity between teachers and students. This requires increased sensitivity and vigilance in dealing with the various manifestations of abuse of power.

Abuse of power always begins when fairness and respect in everyday interactions are violated by behaviours that are enabled, encouraged or reinforced by a power imbalance. It is not limited to extreme individual cases, such as those that dominate public reporting, but can also manifest itself in everyday situations in university life.

At the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH), we have had to and continue to deal with conflicts in which misconduct was enabled or encouraged by power imbalances. Such cases can vary in severity, and the existing legal framework and conflicting views can complicate the process of dealing with them. It is also not always possible to reach a consensus on the appropriate course of action. However, none of this can or should be used as an excuse for not addressing such incidents. On the contrary: abuse of power is not a trivial matter and must not be treated as such. This begins, but does not end, with the creation of appropriate facilities for those affected to report cases of abuse of power. We take these reports from those affected seriously and investigate them in order to then take action within the scope of the law.

What has happened so far

• Back in 2019, HMTMH adopted a guideline on the protection against discrimination, sexual harassment and violence [in German]. In doing so, the university created an important formal basis for taking disciplinary action against cases of abuse of power.
• In addition to the long-standing options for addressing cases of abuse of power and discrimination (trusted lecturers, equal opportunities office), a dedicated complaints office for protection against discrimination, sexual harassment and violence was also set up in 2023 (for contacts, see the right-hand column). Here, those affected can seek confidential advice and initiate formal and informal complaint procedures.
• In 2024, the HMTMH collaborated on a statement by the Rectors' Conference of German Music Universities (RKM) and on corresponding recommendations for action. These statements send a clear and unambiguous signal against abuse of power – both internally and externally. The same applies to recommendations adopted by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) in May 2024. The HMTMH fully supports these statements.

What happens next

Of course, the work is not done yet. In addition to the consistent and responsible investigation of incidents, it is also important to raise awareness and continue to sensitise people to the issue in order to prevent cases of abuse of power as far as possible.

• The HMTMH will participate in a comprehensive scientific study commissioned by the RKM to empirically examine the problem of abuse of power at music universities and derive further options for action from the results.
• The HMTMH will participate in a nationwide action day organised by the German music universities, which will take place on 27 November 2025 under the title ‘Kunst. Macht. Menschlichkeit.’ This day is intended to send a clear signal to our university that abuse of power must not be trivialised, tolerated, or normalised. Preparations for action day will begin shortly.

The HMTMH should be a place characterised by ‘respect and tolerance, trust and solidarity, openness and plurality’ and where ‘all members of the university feel safe, are treated fairly and a sensitive, responsible and respectful interaction with one another is firmly established,’ as formulated by the Rectors' Conference of German Music Universities. This gives rise to a special responsibility and obligation for all those who are vested with power in various contexts at the university. This also applies, of course, to the university management: we all have a role to play in ensuring that art, research and teaching can flourish in a trusting, abuse-free environment.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Hans Jürgen Prömel [he/his]
President (acting)
Commissioner on behalf of the Minister of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony