Leuphana participates in the ‘Universities Take a Stand’ campaign
2026-01-20 Numerous universities and technical colleges across Germany are participating in the campaign and sending a message of democracy, diversity and anti-discrimination. Equal opportunities officer Dr Kathrin van Riesen explains the background in an interview.
Dr van Riesen, many universities are currently participating in the ‘Universities Take a Stand’ campaign. Why do we need such a campaign in the first place?
We are increasingly hearing political demands from right-wing populist circles that openly state which areas of science should no longer be funded or even abolished in the future. Examples include gender studies, sustainability and climate research, and parts of cultural studies. When politicians begin to decide which subjects are legitimate and which are not, the freedom of research and teaching and the autonomy of universities are at risk.
Why does the campaign strongly emphasise the connection between academic freedom and democracy?
Because academic freedom, which is enshrined in our constitution, is a central foundation of our free and democratic society. Science thrives on facts, critical analysis and different perspectives from which new knowledge can be generated or existing knowledge can be reviewed. When these foundations are attacked, it is a warning sign – not only for universities and colleges, but for democracy as a whole.
What specifically do you have in mind in this context?
The example of the USA makes it clear that even stable democracies are not immune. There, funding has been cut, research on topics such as women's health and climate change has been discredited as ideological, and structures for promoting equal opportunities have been largely abolished. This shows that such developments are possible. That is why we must be vigilant at an early stage, network with each other and actively safeguard the institutional and normative foundations of free science before interventions become the norm. Taking a stand means clearly committing to academic freedom, diversity, critical thinking and equal opportunities, and showing solidarity when these fundamental rights and values are under attack.
Thank you very much for talking to us!
The ‘Universities Take a Stand’ campaign is a nationwide university initiative in Germany. It is supported by an alliance of university networks, including the Anti-Discrimination Network at Universities, the Diversity Network at Universities and the Federal Conference of Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities (bukof).