The rector of the University of Pisa after the protest against Molinari in Naples: “The University is a place of discussion, taking away someone’s voice means denying their values”

«Preventing someone from expressing their thoughts is the denial of the values ​​of the University. Indeed, of the human community itself.” Riccardo Zucchi, rector of the University of Pisa, condemnation in no uncertain terms what happened at Federico II in Naples, where the director of RepublicMaurizio Molinari, was contested by some university collectives and social centers, resulting in the cancellation of the discussion on his book “Contested Mediterranean”. An episode that arrived less than twenty-four hours after the river session of the Pisan academic Senate, animated instead by a passionate but civil confrontation between the representatives of the Jewish community and those pro-Palestine.

Zucchi, what did you feel reading the events in Naples?

«The principle from which we have always started is that we must always let everyone speak, listen to every opinion and discern critically. Therefore I can only deplore what happened in Naples.”

Where does the right to contest end and the freedom to express oneself begin?

«The main value is listening to the other. As a personal principle, I have always tried to listen to everyone. The University is a community founded on trust in reason and in the critical spirit and on the values ​​of listening, non-violence and rational communication.”

Freedom to express oneself which has been loudly requested in Pisa recently…

“Exact. The most worrying thing about the “Pisa events” was the violence against young people who were protesting peacefully. It was a wound: and it was the reason, which some did not understand, why at the inauguration of the academic year we then offered everyone the opportunity to express themselves.”

On that occasion, the intervention of a Palestinian student was contested. And a controversy arose. Two days ago, however, there was the long-awaited Academic Senate with many voices: how did it go?

«It was a very long day, a meeting lasting over eight hours in which various groups of pro-Palestine students but also an Italian teacher representing the Jewish community took part. They all expressed themselves in a constructive tone, although there was also no shortage of very harsh and harsh criticism.”

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, commented on the Naples episode, saying that the University is incompatible with those who claim to impose their ideas. Do you agree?

«Imposition is always worrying. It is unfortunately inevitable that there may be minorities who commit commendable and unacceptable gestures. The real problem, however, remains a war in Gaza which must necessarily be stopped. The international community and people of good will must do everything to make this happen.”

Before Molinari, other journalists and commentators were prevented from speaking during a debate. Among other cases, that of about ten days ago at La Sapienza in Rome. Are you worried about the situation that has arisen in Italy?

«It has happened other times, but we need to have the clarity of knowing how to listen to everyone, even those who don’t share our ideas, as long as speaking doesn’t become invective and prevent others from relating. Especially in the university community.”