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February 9th, 2024
Freie Universität Berlin opposes antisemitism in any and all forms. There is no place for antisemitism, racism, or any other form of discrimination at Freie Universität Berlin. Like all of Berlin’s universities and colleges, Freie Universität is an institution that fosters a culture based on democratic values, provides space for dialogue, and welcomes diversity. As a member of the State Conference of the Rectors and Presidents of the Higher Education Institutions in Berlin (LKRP), the university has made this clear. Please see here for the full LKRP statement:
https://www.lkrp-berlin.de/aktuelles/231106-kein-platz-fuer-antisemitismus/index.html
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, a group of people organized a protest event in which they occupied one of Freie Universität Berlin’s lecture halls. Freie Universität did not organize this event, nor did it grant approval for the event to take place or for the participants to congregate on university property.
Unfortunately, antisemitic remarks were made during the unauthorized event. Various groups who were present in the lecture hall failed to adhere to the principles of open discourse based on peaceful interaction and mutual respect as befits our democratic culture. This occurred both on the part of the podium speakers and during the general discussion, leading to altercations between members of the various groups. For this reason, the decision was made to ask the participants to leave the premises. Some participants chose not to comply and thus the university invoked its right to have individuals removed from university property. The police were called to help evacuate the premises, and criminal charges were filed against approximately twenty of the participants. In addition to the official investigations being carried out by the responsible authorities, Freie Universität Berlin is also evaluating what measures can be taken to prevent incidents such as these, and in particular incidents of an antisemitic nature.
Since the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, Freie Universität Berlin has introduced several measures to tackle antisemitism:
For example, there is now a dedicated contact person for individuals affected by antisemitism.
Students can also make use of structures at Freie Universität Berlin that have been specifically established to provide psychological support (support.points). Over the past few weeks, university management has invited those students who have reported feeling unsafe on campus to join the discussion and help Freie Universität respond to the needs of those affected.
The Diversity and Antidiscrimination Office also offers empowerment workshops for students who have experienced racism.
Additional measures are currently being planned and expanded upon, for example, regular direct addresses made by those responsible for ensuring security and raising awareness on campus. University management also sends mass emails to all Freie Universität members to raise awareness, and exchanges and coordinates additional preventative measures with other Berlin-based universities and colleges.
University management places great importance on ensuring that antisemitic and discriminatory behavior is documented and monitored. Where applicable, criminal behavior is reported to the authorities.
University management is also collaborating closely with departmental heads regarding measures and recommendations for dealing with antisemitism and racism. They are working to raise awareness of the current legal provisions and regulations in place at Freie Universität Berlin and helping to establish courses and guidance for instructors on dealing with the conflict in the Middle East. As of January 2024, a range of special courses will be offered for instructors, staff members, and students (as well as students training to become teachers). You can find more information on these events here:
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/diversity/termine/index.html.
Additional measures are still being planned.
Freie Universität Berlin condemns antisemitism and opposes discrimination and violence in any form. The Executive Board takes the safety of university members very seriously. It has made its position on this very clear on multiple occasions, for example,
The latest statement made by the president of Freie Universität (on January 24, 2024, to the Academic Senate) has been published here (English translation to follow):
https://www.fu-berlin.de/einrichtungen/praesidium/aktuelles/240124-as-top-3.pdf
The university has a series of structures in place to protect its members from discrimination and violence. These structures are now being evaluated and, where necessary, expanded upon. The Executive Board approved a Diversity Strategy and Action Plan in 2021. This brings together a series of diversity-related principles, goals, and measures that the university has committed to, acting as a frame of reference for all university members. This plan represents a key step toward dismantling discrimination and making Freie Universität Berlin a welcoming and diverse place to study, research, and work. Since 2020, the Dahlem School of Education has been offering a series of workshops targeted specifically at students training to become teachers. In these workshops, students learn about antisemitism and are provided with strategies for preventing antisemitism in the classroom. Freie Universität Berlin’s continuing education program also regularly offers courses related to interculturalism and tolerance.
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