Statement by the University of Technology Nuremberg against anti-Semitism

The UTN notes with concern that anti-Semitism, discrimination and racism are spreading and becoming more radical worldwide and in Germany. This does not stop at universities, in fact, it is often the universities in which anti-Semitic propaganda, calls for violence against Jews, exclusion and physical attacks take place, or in whose discourses various forms of anti-Semitism are supposedly justified.

With this statement, the UTN expresses that we condemn anti-Semitism, discrimination and racism in all forms, that we give them no space and that we actively act against them. We expressly support the “Resolution for Respect at Bavarian Universities and Against Discrimination, Racism and Anti-Semitism” in all its parts.

We are convinced that universities have a special social responsibility to be a place for a free exchange of rational arguments, opinions and perspectives and to provide clear information where the limits of freedom of expression are exceeded, rational dialogue is suspended and hatred, incitement, calls for violence and willingness to use violence take place. Right-wing extremist, nationalist, left-wing radical and Muslim anti-Semitism must be condemned, prevented and prosecuted just as much as anti-Israeli anti-Semitism.

German universities, as places of knowledge creation and reflection, guarantee that no discourses outside the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany are tolerated.

As a newly founded campus university in the immediate vicinity of the former National Socialist Reich Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg, the UTN recognizes its special responsibility in the fight against all forms of anti-Semitism and wants to actively assume this responsibility. We are developing the campus and our university as a building block in the orientation of the city of Nuremberg as a city of human rights.

The City of Nuremberg is committed to diversity and democratic cohesion and is working together with the Bavarian state government and its municipal institutions on a memorial work on National Socialism and historical forms of anti-Semitism – which prevents new forms of anti-Semitism, strengthens Jewish life in the region and is intended to assume its responsibility in the fight against anti-Semitic hatred in particular.

As a university, we are committed to research, teaching, transfer and communication, particularly to strengthening rational exchange in the negotiation of opinions, which can contribute to transforming emotionally escalating debates into an argumentative and respectful discourse, and to educating people about all and hidden forms of anti-Semitism.

Universities should be a safe place where all participants in academic discourse are respected and are happy to engage in scientific and social dialogue with the greatest possible freedom of thought. To achieve this, the UTN strives to implement its development work with determination and strategic intention in all aspects.