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Sunset at the North Campus © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund
Resolution of the HRK

Universities stand up for freedom of discourse

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Overlapping and colorful silhouettes in profile from the shoulder, showing people from different cultures and backgrounds looking randomly to either the left or right. Overlapping speech bubbles float above the silhouettes, which are in the same red, brown, yellow and blue colors as the silhouettes and also point to the left or right. © Stafeeva​/​stock.adobe.com
At its General Assembly in mid-May, the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) discussed in detail the recent protests against the Middle East conflict at numerous universities in Germany and abroad. In recent weeks, peaceful protest camps have been set up in some places, while in others lecture halls have been occupied or gatherings have resulted in offenses such as damage to property, threats of violence or incitement to hatred. In some cases, evictions have been ordered.

HRK President Prof. Walter Rosenthal stated: “The universities see themselves as places of open discussion and dialogue. They take responsibility for providing a comprehensive academic discussion space wherever possible.” He pointed out that universities are able to distinguish between academic discussions and those that are outside of the framework of the law and the constitution, and to react accordingly. “Universities do not offer a space or stage for anti-constitutional or criminal acts, for violence of any kind, for discrimination, racism or anti-Semitism. Rather, they take active steps to counteract this so that all university members can feel safe on campus,” he emphasized. The committee passed a resolution formulating this line for discourses on any topic.

Rectorate endorses HRK’s position

The Rectorate of TU Dortmund University agrees with the HRK's position. “It is essential for a democratic society that universities remain places of objective debate, especially on controversial issues. The right to freedom of expression must be upheld. In any case, forms of protest must comply with the law and be free of discrimination. No one should feel threatened on our campus. Any form of anti-Semitism or racism is a red line that we will not tolerate being crossed.”

The members of the Rectorate also reiterated what they had already said in a public statement shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October: The assault had been the starting point for “immeasurable suffering that now affects everyone in the entire region. Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their families.” It gives hope that the peaceful coexistence of people from different nations continues on the TU campus, despite increasing political conflicts.

Resolution of the HRK (in German)

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