Current socio-political discourse repeatedly places universities at the center of social and political disputes. Authoritarian tendencies are increasingly threatening academic freedom and academic freedom: university members are publicly attacked and defamed for their work and opinions expressed, and research fields such as gender studies, postcolonial approaches and climate research are under attack. Demands for interference in academic freedom and aggressive political rhetoric are exacerbating these developments.
During University Day, we aim to discuss how these trends are impacting university structures and content-related debates, the specific consequences for our own university, and the ways discriminatory policies are influencing teaching, learning and our interaction within academia. And above all, we want to explore the role each of us plays and the options available to counter these trends.
Program:
09:00 – Arrival
09:30 – Welcome and Program Introduction
09:45 - 10:00 – Opening Address
Ilyas Saliba – “Threats to Academic Freedom in Germany: How Illiberal Tendencies Affect Research, Teaching, and University Autonomy”
10:00 - 11:00 – Talk and Discussion with:
Özcan Karadeniz, Rebecca Maskos, Ilyas Saliba
11:00 - 11:15 – Break
(Award of the C.W. Müller Prize)
11:15 - 13:00 – Workshop Sessions
– The Long Shadow of Regulatory Law: How Authoritarian University Policies Jeopardize Political Freedoms
– Postcolonial and Gender Studies Under Attack
– Able to Act Against the Right! – Solidarity Practices at ASH
– Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy
– Anti-Semitism and Right-Wing Extremism
13:00 - 13:45 – Lunch Break
13:45 - 14:30 – Concluding Plenary Discussion
Questions and conclusions from the workshops/discussions
14:45 – Closing
To ensure that all members of the university can participate, this day will count as a substitute teaching event for teaching staff and students. Participation in ASH Berlin events will also be considered working hours for technical, service and administrative staff, provided this aligns with their responsibilities and work duties. An application for participation must be submitted to the respective supervisor. Upon approval, the Human Resources Office should be informed.
German Sign Language (DGS) interpreters will be available. For planning purposes, please let us know of any additional requirements at input@ ash-berlin.eu. We are happy about your feedback on demand so that we can organize this properly.