With a joint resolution, the Bavarian universities and colleges, the student and university lecturer associations are resolutely against any form of racism and anti-Semitism. At the same time, it is emphasized that universities could very well distinguish between a necessary exchange of controversial opinions on the one hand and unconstitutional, criminal acts on the other. “In view of the current political situation in the Middle East, the university family in Bavaria states that discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism in any form have no place at universities,” says the joint paper, which was published in Munich on Friday against the background of the current pro-Palestinian protests at some universities.
“Universities offer no space or stage for unconstitutional or criminal acts, for violence of any kind, for discrimination, racism or anti-Semitism. Rather, they actively take action against it so that all university members can feel safe on campus.” Universities should remain safe places for learning and research as well as open discussion. There were recent protests at several universities in Germany against the actions of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. Some protest camps were also cleared by the police.
In Bavaria, there were recent legal disputes over a pro-Palestinian protest camp in front of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich – in the end, the Bavarian Administrative Court decided that the camp could remain. “The universities see themselves as places of open discussion and dialogue. They accept the responsibility to provide a comprehensive academic and artistic space for discourse wherever possible,” says the paper published on Friday. Through appropriate standards and procedural rules, the universities ensure an exchange on socially controversial topics and opinions.
However, it is also emphasized: “Universities are able to distinguish between science-led discussions and those that no longer operate within the framework of the law and the constitution and to react to them in an appropriate manner.” The resolution is supported by the associations of the University of Bavaria, the Bavarian University of Applied Sciences, the Bavarian Art University as well as the State Student Council, the University Association, the University Teachers’ Association and the State Association of Scientific Personnel.
Science Minister Markus Blume praised the resolution. “The entire Bavarian university family stands firmly on the side of the Jewish students: We have a zero-tolerance strategy for anti-Semitism and hostility to Israel,” he said. There is no place for hatred and agitation at Bavarian universities. “Teachers, students and administration are showing a clear stance together: We are doing everything we can to ensure that universities remain protected places and do not become a breeding ground for disguised anti-Semitism,” he emphasized. Jewish students should be able to feel safe at universities. Many of the current protests have nothing to do with permitted criticism, but rather ideology and hate are being spread. “Where border crossings take place, we take action,” said Blume.
The organizers extended the notice for the Munich protest camp until June 6th, and the district administration department has now issued a notice until May 23rd, which could then be extended. However, construction work for another event is scheduled to begin on May 31st – the organizers have already been informed about this.