18 June 2024

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences organised a lively panel discussion on the topic of "Interference wanted? Universities and the neutrality requirement". The event took place on 13 June both in the lecture theatre and online and offered a platform for exchange between academia, politics and society.

Discussion on the role of universities in political discourse at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

(Photos: Maurice Töpfer)

Prof. Dr Cordula Borbe opened the event with a warm welcome and pointed out the relevance of the dialectical dialogue of current discussion topics. Prof. Dr Viola Sporleder-Geb introduced the topic with the fresco of the Allegory of Good Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti from 1338 and at the end used examples from case law to demonstrate the legal complexity in connection with the state's duty of neutrality and the requirement of objectivity. Thomas Müller took over the moderation.

The panellists were diverse:

• 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, expert on right-wing populism and right-wing extremism at universities
• Stefan Heerdegen from MOBIT
• Prof Dr Jörg Wagner, President of Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

In the discussion, various viewpoints on the role of universities in political discourse were examined. The participants discussed the balance between the demand for neutrality and the need to get involved in social debates. Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences sees it as its duty to stand up for basic democratic principles, promote critical thinking and offer a platform for diversity of opinion. Together with students, we will explore which formats are suitable for this.

"A willingness to engage in dialogue and a commitment to freedom, openness to the world and the preservation of democratic structures are essential for us at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences," emphasised Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner in his speech. "We must face up to the challenges of our time and actively contribute to an enlightened and critical society."

The event was followed by numerous interested parties, both on site and online, and led to a lively discussion that emphasised how important the exchange between academia and society, university management and students is.

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences plans to continue this type of event and offer further discussion rounds in the coming winter semester. The aim is to further promote dialogue between university management, students, politicians and the general public.