Statement by Professor Dr. Angelika Epple, Rector of Bielefeld University, on incidents at the event “Academic Anti-Semitism” on December 8 at the university:
On 8 December, an event entitled “Academic Antisemitism. Lecture and discussion with Andreas Stahl” took place in a lecture hall at Bielefeld University, organised by a student group. Unfortunately, this event was deliberately disrupted. Only after the security service issued orders to leave the premises and the police were called could the event be brought to a conclusion.
I cannot judge to what extent antisemitic statements and actions occurred at the event that might constitute criminal offences — it is for the police to clarify this. However, we must also acknowledge, including here in Bielefeld, that the security situation for Jewish people in Germany has deteriorated dramatically over the past two years. We must not accept this.
Group-based racism or antisemitism comes with many supposed justifications. One of them claims it is a critical or anti-colonial discourse. That is why I want to emphasise: sweeping denigration of, or antisemitic hostility towards, Jewish people must be distinguished from permissible criticism, for example of the actions of the Israeli government.
I therefore state very clearly: Any form of antisemitism must have no place at our university.
Those who deliberately disrupt events as massively as on Monday create fear among organisers and guests. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the university leadership. We will examine possible consequences in every instance.
Public debates, including controversial ones, should and must be conducted at our university. Engage in discussion and debate. Articulate your views within the established legal framework. But also accept that others may hold different opinions. I call on all active groups and individuals to adhere to the rules of respectful interaction.
