12 June 2024

Last summer, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences invited all candidates for election to the city's highest office to get to know them better in a moderated discussion. This initiative was seen as an important step towards promoting political education and strengthening the dialogue between politics and society at the university, but was also criticised by some.

The painting in the background is part of the famous fresco "Allegory of Good and Bad Government" by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. It was painted between 1338 and 1339 in the town hall of Siena, Italy. The fresco shows various scenes depicting the effects of good or bad government on a city and its surroundings. The fresco is one of the most important works of Italian Gothic art and is an important example of medieval political art.

We see it as our duty to stand up for basic democratic principles, promote critical thinking and tolerate diversity of opinion. A willingness to engage in dialogue is essential for the preservation of democracy.

Interested parties are cordially invited to join the discussion on Thursday, 13 June at the university and online. We have invited guests to take part in a panel discussion on the topic: "Interference welcome? Universities and the neutrality requirement"?

Event details:

Location: House 19, lecture theatre 1 and online

Livestream: YouTube Live

Time: 17:00 - 18:30

Welcome: Prof Dr Cordula Borbe

Introduction: Prof. Dr Viola Sporleder-Geb

Moderation: Thomas Müller

The following guests have confirmed their attendance:

• Andreas Froese, Director of the Mittelbau-Dora Memorial,
• Dr Andreas Jantowski, Director of the Thuringian Institute for Teacher Training, Curriculum Development and Media and representative of the state government for Jewish life in Thuringia and the fight against anti-Semitism in schools;
• Dr Christoph Haker-Liedke, sociologist at Paderborn University, works on right-wing populism and right-wing extremism at universities;
• Stefan Heerdegen, MOBIT;
• Prof Dr Jörg Wagner, President of Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences remains determined to fulfil its role as an active player in society. Further events and discussion rounds are planned for the winter semester in order to promote dialogue between university management, students, politicians and the general public.