Microaggressions and inappropriate conduct during a W1 professorship interview

I would like to document my experience of microaggressions and inappropriate conduct during a W1 professorship interview at a German University. As part of the interview process, I was asked to deliver a trial lecture and a research presentation. During this process, I encountered several troubling incidents that reflect a lack of professionalism and inclusivity. 1. Dismissive Feedback: At the conclusion of my trial lecture, a professor dismissed a point on one of my slides by stating outright, "What you presented on slide X is wrong." Rather than seeking clarification or initiating a respectful discussion, the tone was discrediting. A more constructive approach would have been to ask a clarifying question or offer feedback in a collegial manner. 2. Unprofessional Conduct: During my research presentation, I noticed that this professor appeared to be asleep. This behavior was disrespectful and unprofessional, particularly in a formal academic evaluation setting. 3. Inappropriate Questioning: During the Q&A portion of the interview, the same professor asked, “The government is pushing for increasing the number of women in academia, what’s your opinion about it?” This question was unrelated to my academic qualifications or the position at hand. It felt targeted and inappropriate, and it reflected an underlying bias against marginalized groups in academia. I hold a PhD and have extensive international academic experience. These types of interactions raise serious concerns about the treatment of international and marginalized applicants in the German academic system. Such behavior not only discourages diversity but also undermines Germany’s efforts to attract global talent. The pattern of inviting diverse candidates only to subject them to hostile or dismissive treatment appears systemic and deeply harmful. Due to experiences like this and broader issues of exclusion and microaggression, I am reconsidering my future in the German academic system.