Statement on the protests at universities regarding the war in Gaza

In light of the protests at universities about the war in Gaza, an initiative organised by people identifying as students has also set up a camp in Freiburg.

The tents are located in the Alleegarten next to the Rempartstraße cafeteria. The area is the responsibility of the city of Freiburg. The camp has been registered there as a permanent assembly with around 50 participants from 28 May to 4 June 2024, 6 pm. The University management is open to constructive dialogue and is in contact with various groups with different perspectives on the issue. The City of Freiburg is also in contact with the organisers.

In view of the polarisation that similar actions at universities across Germany and internationally have sometimes taken, we would like to take this opportunity to emphasise our self-image as a university: we are a place of academic debate, of free democratic order and of diversity. We are committed to a campus free of discrimination and take a clear stance against anti-Semitism, hostility towards Muslims and racism. We all contribute to an open, fact-based dialogue characterised by mutual respect - even if opinions on political and social developments may differ. The safety of all’University members and the maintenance of University operations always take centre stage.