On the cancellation of a lecture by the English seminar
On October 18, 2024, the English Seminar had to cancel a lecture on the topic “Introduction to the Criticism of Anti-Semitism: The Work of Jean Améry,” which the seminar had planned together with the Freiburg Alliance against Anti-Semitism. Shortly before the start of the event, information was received that raised questions about whether it could be held safely. A detailed examination of the situation was no longer possible under the circumstances. The University of Freiburg and the English Department very much regret that the lecture could not take place against this background.
Among other things, it was publicly alleged that the University of Freiburg had banned the lecture or had withdrawn the room. This is incorrect. Faculties and seminars are – in the spirit of freedom of research and teaching – self-responsible and independent in their planning and implementation of events. This freedom of research and teaching is an essential part of our university culture, our democratic society and our state mandate; protecting it is a central concern of the University of Freiburg.
A member of the University of Freiburg also experienced a threat in the area surrounding the event. The case has been brought to the attention of the relevant investigative authorities. We emphatically emphasize that there is no tolerance for threats or any other form of violence or threats of violence at the University of Freiburg.
On protests in the college building III
For legal reasons, the University of Freiburg had to reject a room request for October 24, 2024 that was made by a department of the student body in cooperation with a student group for an event. All student events that are registered with the University of Freiburg via the Student Body must meet the legal requirements in accordance with Section 65 of the State Higher Education Act for Baden-Württemberg. This means, for example, that they must maintain the political neutrality of the Student Body. That was not the case here, as a thorough legal review showed.
There have also been misrepresentations in the public about this and the subsequent events. Among other things, it was alleged that the university had banned the event. This is incorrect. The registered event could not take place as described because it did not meet the necessary legal requirements of Section 65 of the State Higher Education Act for Baden-Württemberg.
After the room was canceled, a group of around 25 people gathered in front of the requested room in KG III on the evening of October 24th, 2024. Apparently she wanted to hold the planned event in the stairwell – she was carrying a projector – and protest against the fact that the event could not take place in accordance with legal requirements. This was done, among other things, with the use of a megaphone through which slogans were continuously shouted, which were supported by chants from the group.
The University of Freiburg then spoke to the group and asked them to leave the building. Even after repeated requests and requests from the university, the group did not leave the building, but instead increased the tone and actions of their protest. Among other things, university employees were filmed head-on and without being asked and were sometimes insulted drastically. At this point we would also like to emphasize that offensive and intimidating behavior has no place at the University of Freiburg.
The whole event increasingly led to the disruption of courses and concern among visitors in the college buildings I and III. Libraries in the buildings were still open at the time, and courses in the affected buildings took place until they closed at 10 p.m. In order to continue to ensure safe university operations in KG 3 and KG 1, the university called in the police. Outside the building, the group was given the opportunity to further voice their protest.
Conduct events safely and with mutual respect for all participants
At this point we also emphasize our self-image: The university is 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 as students. What is very important is that all events, including those on controversial topics, can be held safely and with mutual respect among all participants and that the university remains an open place.
Against this background, the University of Freiburg is currently examining existing measures in consultation with faculties and seminars and adapting them if necessary.
