Freie Universität Berlin Suspends In-Person Event with UN Special Rapporteur
Introduction:
The Freie Universität Berlin (FU) has decided to cancel the in-person event with the participation of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, citing "current polarization and unpredictable security concerns." This decision has sparked a debate about academic freedom, political influence, and the implications for scholarly discourse.
Event Background:
The planned event, scheduled for February 19, was titled "Conditions of Life Calculated to Destroy. Legal and Forensic Perspectives on the Ongoing Gaza Genocide." It was organized by university professors and featured Albanese as one of the participants. The other angekündigte participant was Israeli architect Eyal Weizman, whose organization, Forensic Architecture, has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as "genocide."
Decision and Rationale:
The FU administration defended the decision, stating that they had offered the organizers the option of conducting the event online to ensure a safe and conducive environment for academic exchange. They emphasized that the university is committed to upholding academic freedom but also has a responsibility to provide a space where scientific discussions can take place without excessive polarization and security risks.
Criticism and Advocacy:
The decision has been met with criticism from various quarters. Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner, and other officials have urged the FU to cancel the event altogether. The CDU’s science policy expert, Adrian Grasse, along with the German-Israeli Society and the German-Jewish organization Werteinitiative, have also expressed concerns, specifically regarding Albanese’s past statements on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied territories, which they consider anti-Semitic and biased.
Defending Academic Freedom:
Despite the criticism, FU President Günter M. Ziegler has defended the university’s commitment to academic freedom. He emphasized that universities are the ideal space for conducting controversial debates and objectively evaluating diverse perspectives. He warned against political and public influence undermining the integrity of scholarly discourse.
Balancing Security and Openness:
However, Ziegler also acknowledged the university’s responsibility to ensure a secure and productive environment for scientific events. He explained that while the university is committed to open and critical discussion, they must balance this with the need to prevent polarization and potential security threats.
Wider Implications:
The FU’s decision has raised questions about the limits of academic freedom and the role of universities in addressing controversial topics, particularly those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It highlights the challenges of maintaining an open academic environment while also considering the potential for political interference and security concerns.
Ongoing Debate:
It is likely that the debate surrounding this decision will continue as the event approaches. Supporters of the event’s cancellation argue for the need to protect against anti-Semitism and to avoid the potential for violence. Conversely, those advocating for academic freedom maintain that the event should be allowed to proceed, albeit in an online format, to facilitate a balanced and informed discussion on a critical topic.
