As a member of the Executive Board of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), I am a co-author of the HRK statement linked to below, titled Wissenschaft braucht freiheitliche Demokratie und Rechtstaatlichkeit (science needs liberal democracy and the rule of law), which was issued by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) on 23 January 2024. I fully endorse the message conveyed by this statement as president of the University of Passau, in proud and deep agreement with the spirit of our Basic Law. The fact that we, as members of the University, have been guaranteed freedom of research and teaching, is at the same time an obligation to stand up for this freedom within the boundaries of the law. We are all called upon to express unequivocally that our University, as a place of freedom, will always remain committed to tolerance, diversity and respectful behaviour.
Professor Ulrich Bartosch, President
You can read the HRK statement here [German content]
The Student Representatives’ Council, as a participating group, wishes to call attention to a protest rally against right-wing extremism taking place this Saturday under the motto Demo für demokratische Werte und gesellschaftliche Vielfalt (demonstration for democratic values and social diversity). It is scheduled to start at 14:00 in the Klostergarten park (aka Kleiner Exerzierplatz). For more detailed information see the protest rally's website.