Many university members were troubled by the occupation of the “Theaterhof” (theater courtyard) in the Rostlaube building on May 7 and the ensuing police evacuation. An open letter from instructors at various Berlin universities in response to these events provoked a series of defamatory comments on social media channels as well as libelous reporting in the Bild newspaper, which the university management condemns in the strongest possible terms.

Why did university management order the evacuation of the protest camp by police on May 7, 2024?

The occupation of the “Theaterhof” (theater courtyard) between the Rostlaube and Silberlaube buildings on May 7, 2024 was not announced in advance, nor was it authorized. The protesters were, however, set up for what looked to be a long-term occupation. Given these factors, university management saw a situation developing in which the complete safety of our students and employees (including the protesters themselves) could not be ensured and in which regular teaching and research activities were seriously in danger. That is why the members of the Executive Board decided to have the protest camp evacuated sooner rather later and to call off regular university operations in the surrounding buildings (including shutting down the libraries and cafeteria).

The evacuation was strongly criticized in an open letter signed by university instructors from various higher education and research institutions in Berlin. What is the university management’s stance on the matter?

University management considers this kind of critique not only appropriate and important, but it also takes it very seriously and is seeking out opportunities to speak with the authors of the letter. At the same time, the Executive Board decidedly condemns any and all forms of defamation expressed against the signatories of the open letter on social media, and in particular the libelous reporting in the Bild newspaper. As the Executive Board sees it, this kind of reporting is an attack on the freedom of opinion and academic freedom and something the university management finds unacceptable. For this reason, the university is considering legal action based on relevant press legislation.

How can controversial topics like the Middle East conflict be discussed at Freie Universität Berlin?

Freie Universität’s Executive Board wants to emphasize the importance of academic dialogue in times like these and the need to join together in support of freedom of opinion and academic freedom. We must approach problematic issues like the conflict in the Middle East through dialogue and constructive strategies that reflect the values of our university and foster a culture of open debate, even when it comes to controversial academic topics. By carrying out these types of debate, we learn to analyze complex relationships and structure how we think about them. This approach makes room for conflicting points of view and allows for a peaceful exchange of ideas and arguments between people who are truly able to listen to each other.

What does this mean specifically for discussions surrounding the Middle East conflict?

For Freie Universität, it is self-evident that the Middle East conflict, its historical, political, and social background, and the consequences that they have for society are subjects that we need to address through academic debate. Indeed, we see universities as fulfilling a necessary function as places that foster a culture of debate based on openness and democratic principles. And when universities become sites of protest, then the common goal should be to work together to engage in constructive dialogue. With this basic understanding in place, the heads of Freie Universität are willing to engage in an objective, differentiated, and critical discourse on the political implications and developments of the Middle East conflict as well as potential consequences in light of international law. However, it is imperative that the norms and rules that shape our communication and interactions with each other give space to people with diverse and opposing opinions while also excluding and forbidding antisemitic sentiments, hate speech, and any and all forms of discrimination. For this reason, university management was greatly troubled by the implicit and explicit antisemitism that was witnessed at the protest last Tuesday. We must ensure that Freie Universität continues to be a place free from hatred, threats, violence, and incendiary behavior.

The Executive Board of Freie Universität Berlin:

• Professor Günter M. Ziegler
• Professor Verena Blechinger-Talcott
• Professor Georg Bertram
• Professor Sven Chojnacki
• Professor Petra Knaus
• Andrea Güttner