TU Dortmund University takes part in the nationwide campaign &quot;Universities Take a Stand&quot;

Several networks of various diversity, equality, and anti-discrimination activists have launched the campaign “”Hochschulen zeigen Haltung” (Universities Take a Stand). The aim is to send a signal for an open, supportive, and free culture of science and higher education. At the same time, the campaign aims to draw attention to the existing anti-democratic influences and attacks to which activists at universities are exposed. All TU members are invited to join the campaign.

Background to the campaign

Universities stand for openness, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas. Scientific knowledge is created through critical thinking, the search for the most convincing arguments, and respectful discourse. These principles are inextricably linked to the values of freedom of expression, human dignity, equality, and the rule of law. Together, they form the foundation of our democratic society. When these values are threatened, we must act together.

Universities are open social spaces where people from different backgrounds study, work, and conduct research together. They are places of critical reflection—including on social conditions. In this way, they have an impact on society. At the same time, they are guarantors of innovation and social progress. The massive attacks against universities, not only in the US but also here in Germany, demonstrate just how important they are to society.

Scientists and students are increasingly being subjected to verbal and even physical attacks. Political influence on the scientific system and incitement against minorities are on the rise. Academic freedom is coming under increasing pressure. Right-wing populist denigration of scientific findings and ideologically motivated restrictions on the space for discourse from the right are noticeably increasing.

These developments affect all members of the university community - teachers, researchers, students, doctoral candidates, technical and administrative staff, equality, anti-discrimination, and diversity advocates, as well as university policy committees and university management.

It is time to take a stand!

With the campaign "Universities Take a Stand," we urge politicians to protect the freedom of research and teaching in all disciplines equally and to promote an open culture of welcome. Politics must be based on scientifically sound facts rather than populist "opinions."

Together with allies from academia and civil society, we call on all members of TU Dortmund University to stand up for a democratic, diverse and free higher education landscape.

The campaign is running since October 13, 2025, and was launched by, among others, the Netzwerk Antidiskriminierung an Hochschulen (Network Against Discrimination at Universities), the Netzwerk Diversity an Hochschulen (Network for Diversity at Universities), and the Bundeskonferenz der Frauen- und Gleichstellungsbeauftragten an Hochschulen e. V. (bukof) (Federal Conference of Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities). TU Dortmund University is a member of these networks.

How you can take part in the campaign

In the download area you will find the messages in different versions as png files, which you can use for your e-mail signatures, for example, but also for other purposes. You can use the header images for your website or for LinkedIn.

If you are also interested in print templates for stickers (7.4x10.5 cm) or SharePics for Instagram, please send us an e-mail and we will provide you with the materials.

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