TU9 Universities Take a Stand for Cosmopolitanism, Respect and Tolerance

TU9, an association of nine leading universities of technology in Germany – RWTH Aachen University, TU Berlin, TU Braunschweig, TU Darmstadt, TU Dresden, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, TU München, and the University of Stuttgart –, has issued a statement against xenophobia.

 

Universities are open, diverse communities that are based on mutual tolerance and respect. The TU9 universities stand for excellent science made in Germany. Excellence in science is based on independence, diversity in opinion and culture, and freedom of expression; it flourishes in environments that embrace the broadest range of people, and is predicated on the values of inclusion, respect, and civility.

At the TU9 universities, scientists work in international research groups; gaining knowledge and fueling technological developments that are essential for the innovative power and potential
of science and research in Germany.

Our universities welcome students from across the nation and around the world. We provide open-minded learning environments in the shared context of a richly diverse society. We are equitable communities that are diverse as well as inclusive and that protect the human rights of their members. The sharing and transfer of knowledge and the critical exchange in respect and openness are the pillars of this community. The evidence based process that is science is based on and intricately tied to a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, tolerance and respect.

The TU9 universities are defined by their diversity and condemn all forms of racism and discrimination.

Human dignity shall be inviolable. (…) The German people therefore acknowledge inviolable and inalienable human rights as the basis of every community, of peace and of justice in the world. (…) Every person shall have the right to free development of his personality insofar as he does not violate the rights of others or offend against the constitutional order or the moral law. (…) Every person shall have the right to life and physical integrity. Freedom of the person shall be inviolable. (…) No person shall be favored or disfavored because of sex, parentage, race, language, homeland and origin, faith, or religious or political opinions.“

Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany, Articles 1-3

The TU9 universities affirm their profound commitment to these values of an open and equal society. We will continue to explicitly take a stand against any form of social marginalization and exclusion.