GAZA CONFLICT Critical Discourse Yes, Anti-Semitism No
Ruhr University Bochum sees itself as a place where controversial topics can be discussed objectively and respectfully.
In the context of the Middle East conflict, protests are currently taking place around the world, also at many universities. The Rectorate of Ruhr University Bochum is very concerned about the polarization of the discussion surrounding this conflict. They emphasize: “We see it as our duty to preserve the university as a place for objective debate – even on controversial topics. This includes protecting our staff and students who exercise their right to freedom of expression. However, any form of anti-Semitism means crossing a red line and will not be tolerated.”
Members of Ruhr University are allowed to demonstrate against the Israeli government’s conduct of the war, thus exercising their right of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. This can be done as a – registered – demonstration or in the form of an open letter. However, limits must be observed: The forms of demonstration must comply with the law and must be free from discrimination. No one should feel threatened, especially not Jewish members of Ruhr University, not even by slogans or demands.
The German Rectors’ Conference has discussed this issue in detail and unanimously agreed on the following points:
- Universities are places of critical discourse, dialog and (academic) debate. Openness of participation, the substantiation of arguments and an essentially respectful cooperation are elementary. Protests, demonstrations and provocations can also be part of this process, as long as they pursue the goal of objective information, analysis and understanding of arguments. In this way, universities take on the important task of objectifying debates and democratization of the society.
- The universities will exercise their domestic authority and report to the police, as soon as these principles are not adhered to and, thus, regular university operations are compromised, criminal acts occur, or there is a recognizable threat of such acts. The universities expect federal and state politicians to trust them in this approach.
- In this context, individual academics and university management are pilloried in the press and social media. This is unacceptable and calls for a social debate and, if necessary, accompanying measures under press law.
The Rectorate of Ruhr University Bochum fully shares this position: “We are deeply shocked by the suffering that people in the Middle East region have to endure and we are trying to deal with the particular challenges of our increasingly polarized world in many ways. At the same time, we appeal to all our members to keep any form of debate objective, critical and peaceful,” said the Rectorate.