Freedom of research and teaching is a central pillar of our democracy. Universities are places of free exchange, scientific curiosity, and critical thinking. The rise of right-wing populist forces, whose election programmes call for massive interference in scientific content, poses an acute threat. Even “centrist” parties have already implemented anti-science measures, such as restricting gender-neutral language and cutting funding.

In addition, researchers and students who are politically active are increasingly subject to repression. Scientific findings are being denied, researchers defamed, and universities pressured to exclude uncomfortable topics.

These developments affect all members of every university and university policy committees. Universities thrive on diversity, openness, and critical exchange. When these values are threatened, we must act together.

It is time to take a stand!

#hochschulenzeigenhaltung

Alliance HOCHSCHULEN ZEIGEN HALTUNG

Federal Conference of Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities (bukof)

The nationwide network Anti-discrimination at Universities

Network Diversity at Universities

The network of diversity officers at universities in Schleswig-Holstein

Netzwerk Diversität an Thüringer Hochschulen