Statement United against right-wing ideology
Ruhr University Bochum is committed to its values; we are international and diverse.
Dear members of Ruhr University Bochum,
Anyone who uses the term “remigration” to describe a political master plan is going against our deepest convictions and fundamental values. Such a plan is incompatible with the self-image of our academic community. Therefore, now is the time to take a firm collective stand against radical right-wing antidemocratic agendas, to raise our voices and to fight against it.
With our mission statement RUB International 2030, we are laying the foundations for our internationalization strategy, which we’ll continue to expand and consistently pursue. Our mission statement “Built to change” states that we stand by this strategy and that we intend to become even more international, especially in these times, that we are cosmopolitan and embedded in an extensive network. Research and teaching are not only free; they do not end at the national border, either.
The protection against discrimination enshrined in the German Basic Law is a pillar of our scientific performance and academic community. In our Codex for Diversity, we have committed ourselves to respecting and promoting diversity. We are proud of the fact that many people with a migratory background are studying, researching and working in Bochum. Only a university that promotes all types of talent is fit for the future and competitive. We take a firm stance against any attempts to push through ideas that are rooted in racism, intolerance and exclusion. They have no place in a liberal society.
We call on every member of this university to stand up for the fundamental values of our Constitution.
Please do take advantage of the opportunities available to you in our democracy, for example by voting, by taking to the streets and marching for our values. The many protests and the enormous support from the public over the past few days have been encouraging – and we are also very pleased that so many members of our community took part in the protest in Bochum on January 19.
Ruhr University Bochum will actively support the European Weeks organized by the city of Bochum and the accompanying campaign throughout the Ruhr region to ensure that as many people as possible take part in the European elections. This is how we can use democratic means to stand firmly against the forces that want to turn back the clock. So please save the date: The European elections are on June 9 this year! Let us set an example together! Never again is now!
Kornelia Freitag, Isolde Karle, Denise Manahan-Vaughan, Günther Meschke, Martin Paul, Christina Reinhardt