Freiburg, 11.11.2024
In recent weeks, two events at the University of Freiburg have been the subject of false reports and allegations in public discourse, particularly on social media. The University of Freiburg is issuing the following statement to correct them.
On 18 October 2024, the English Department had to cancel a lecture on the topic “Introduction to the Criticism of Antisemitism: The Work of Jean Améry” that it had planned together with the Freiburger Bündnis gegen Antisemitismus (Freiburg Alliance against Antisemitism). Shortly before the event was due to begin, information was received that raised questions about whether it could be held safely. Given the circumstances, it was no longer possible to thoroughly assess the situation shortly before the event began. The University of Freiburg and the English Department deeply regret that the lecture could not take place under these circumstances.
Among other things, it was claimed in public that the University of Freiburg had banned the lecture or withdrawn the room. This is not correct. Faculties and departments are – in the spirit of freedom of research and teaching – responsible for and independent in their planning and implementation of events. This freedom of research and teaching is a very important part of our university culture, our democratic society and our state mission; protecting it is a central concern of the University of Freiburg.
In addition, a member of the University of Freiburg experienced a threat in the context of the event. The case has been brought to the attention of the relevant investigating authorities. We emphasise that there is zero tolerance for threats, as well as any other form of violence and threat of violence, at the University of Freiburg.
On 24 October 2024, the University of Freiburg had to reject a room request for legal reasons that a unit of the constituted student body had submitted for an event in cooperation with a student group. All events organised by students that are registered with the University of Freiburg through the constituted student body must meet the legal requirements of § 65 of the State Higher Education Act for Baden-Württemberg. This means, for example, that they must maintain the political neutrality of the constituted student body. This was not the case here, as a thorough legal examination showed.
There have also been false representations in public about this and the subsequent events, for example, that the University had banned the event. This is not correct. The registered event could not take place as described because it did not meet the necessary legal requirements of § 65 of the State Higher Education Act for Baden-Württemberg.
On the evening of 24 October 2024, a group of around 25 people gathered in front of the requested room on the third floor, apparently to hold the planned event in the stairwell – they were carrying a projector – and to protest against the fact that the event could not take place in accordance with the legal requirements. This was done, among other things, by using a megaphone to continuously shout slogans, which were supported by the group’s chants.
The University of Freiburg then sought to talk to the group and asked them to leave the building. Even after multiple requests and demands from the University, the group did not leave the building, but instead intensified the tone and actions of their protest. Among other things, University employees were filmed head-on and without being asked, and in some cases were subjected to drastic verbal abuse. We would like to take this opportunity to emphasise once again that there is no place for offensive and intimidating behaviour at the University of Freiburg.
The events also increasingly led to disruption of courses and concern among visitors in KG 3 and KG 1. Libraries in the buildings were still open at the time, and courses in the affected buildings are held until they close at 10 p.m. In order to continue to ensure the safe operation of the University in KG 3 and KG 1, the University called in the police. Outside the building, the group was given the opportunity to continue their protest.
At this point, the University of Freiburg would also like to emphasise its core values: We are a place of fact-based dialogue, academic freedom, democratic values and humanity – to which we all contribute, as employees in science, administration or service, as well as students. And it is essential for this institution that all events, including those on controversial topics, can be held safely and with mutual respect for all participants, while ensuring that the University remains an open place.
In light of this, the University of Freiburg is currently reviewing existing measures in consultation with the faculties and departments and will adjust them as needed.