The University Board issued a statement on its position on the announced 'Students for Palestine' camp in Würzburg.
In accordance with the regulations on the right of assembly, the City of Würzburg has given permission for a protest camp by the 'Students for Palestine Würzburg' group that is scheduled to take place from 19 May to 1 June in the vicinity of the university building on Sanderring. Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) hereby makes it clear that it is neither the organiser of this protest nor does it support it.
Safe and violence-free campus
'The University of Würzburg is an institution that is politically neutral. Its duty and top priority is to ensure an environment for all of its students and staff members that is safe, respectful and free from fear. Any form of antisemitism, racism, discrimination or violence is unacceptable given the fundamental values of our university. There is no place at JMU for any behaviour that goes against these fundamental values, and consequent action will be taken against such behaviour,' stresses University President Paul Pauli.
Democratic dialogue at JMU
'It must be possible for all members of our university to research, teach, work and learn in a peaceful and respectful environment. We fully support the diversity of opinions and perspectives found within the university community as well as the freedom of research and teaching. The exchange and debate at university, including that on current and complex issues, must always take place on the basis of our free democratic basic order and on the basis of facts,' reads a statement by the University Board. 'We expect all students and staff members to treat each other with respect and engage in debate in a calm and differentiated manner.'
The University of Würzburg has had trusting academic relationships with various universities in Israel for many years now and will continue these relationships. This is consistent with our code of academic freedom and responsibility . It is also in line with this code that the university will not adopt a civil clause.
Contact points and support
There are various points of contact available to help members of the university who need advice or support. The Coordinating Office for Diversity with its anti-discrimination contact point, for example, provides help and resources to everyone experiencing antisemitism or other forms of discrimination.
