Resource

Guide for Instructors on Democracy Under Pressure

Anti-democratic forces do not stop at the classroom door. To what extent is it possible—or even necessary—for instructors to express their personal views in the classroom? How do we fulfill our duty of care and protection toward students and staff without closing off spaces for discourse? And how can higher education contribute to strengthening students’ democratic competence? These questions are addressed in the new guide for instructors, which the Rectorate of Ruhr University Bochum approved by a large majority on June 10, 2026. “The university is a place of free research and controversial debate. With this guide, we aim to support faculty members when the openness and diversity inherent in their courses are threatened. The goal is to recognize anti-pluralistic discourse strategies and to provide a set of tools that faculty members can use to respond to disruptions.”

To complement the university-wide action plan for promoting democracy and diversity, Michalina Trompeta, director of the Anti-Discrimination Office, and Dr. Peter Salden, director of the Center for Science Education, developed this guide. It was discussed in depth by two university committees. The guide identifies current challenges in higher education, clarifies the legal framework, and explores how faculty members can specifically address everyday discriminatory, politically radical, or extremist statements.

Another central question is how teaching can strengthen students’ democratic competence and what the commitment to the Constitution means for faculty members’ professional identity. The guide contains numerous examples that illustrate both the challenges and strategies for addressing them, as well as further information and counseling services. The guide was reviewed from a legal perspective by Prof. Dr. Julian Krüper (Public Law and Constitutional Theory).