The role of the university in public discourse

Dear members and affiliates of Leuphana, 
dear professors, staff and students, 

we are currently experiencing a wide range of social and political developments, changes, shattering conflicts and crises, some of which are having a dramatic impact on individuals and entire groups of people. Fundamental domestic and foreign policy conflicts, international disputes – some of them warlike – are often the subject of highly controversial debates in public, politics and the media as well as at universities. This often gives rise to a need for individuals to align themselves with clearly defined positions and guiding principles, to feel represented, and to see their own concerns and experiences reflected. Various actors repeatedly expect universities to declare their positions as institutions, for example in connection with the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and further attacks on Israel since then, as well as the subsequent wars in Gaza and Lebanon, all of which have been accompanied by a staggering number of civilian casualties and great destruction. This also applies to many other conflicts that are not mentioned here. There are similar expectations for acknowledgements and statements regarding political developments in the Federal Republic of Germany, such as increasing anti-Semitism, right-wing populism, anti-Islamism and other forms of racism or discrimination. 

The Presidential Board fundamentally condemns the death and suffering of innocent people in all armed conflicts in Ukraine and Russia, in Israel as well as in Gaza and all other conflicts in or between other countries around the world. On behalf of the University, the Presidential Board expresses its deepest sympathy for the innocent victims and their families. The University is also opposed to any form of discrimination. 

However, the Presidential Board is convinced that, as academic institutions, universities must never view issues and challenges in a one-sided way. Above all, universities are pluralistic spaces of science and reflection. As institutions, this pluralistic character is one of their cornerstones, as it enables the free exchange of ideas, research results and positions, and creates the conditions for a vibrant academic community. Arguments, opinions and moral concepts, which are shaped by the origin, personal experience or history of each individual university member, can be diverse and also contradictory. They are allowed to challenge fundamental, traditional and dominant positions. Nevertheless, they must recognize and respect the dignity and freedom of other members of the university as well as the principle of freedom in research and teaching. 

We are determined to work together as a university community to enable and protect plurality and diversity on our campus, be it of an ethnic, political, disciplinary or other nature. This requires mindfulness and sensitivity so that all university members as well as guests of Leuphana feel safe at all times so that we can address the difficult challenges together. We invite all members of the university to breathe life into these values and work together to make our institution a place of dialog, understanding and reflection. In this way, we can create an academic community that not only makes room for diversity but also takes the responsibility that comes with it seriously. With this in mind, the Presidential Board of Leuphana will exercise appropriate restraint with regard to public statements in current and future conflicts. This serves to ensure that all members and affiliates of the university – regardless of their background and political opinions – can pursue their tasks in research, studies, teaching and transfer. To this end, we cultivate a culture of openness and care in dealing with different opinions, convictions and ideas throughout the entire university community. 

With best regards, 
The Presidential Board