Statement by the Presidential Board of Paderborn University
Paderborn University is an open-minded research and educational institution that stands for the teaching of liberal, democratic, and social values. On campus, we are committed to a trusting, respectful, and tolerant working and study atmosphere that does not accept any form of racism, intolerance or other types of discrimination and violence.
In recent weeks, we have been very concerned about an incident at our university that has also deeply affected us. A professor's email to students clearly crossed a line. We examined all legal options, held a personal meeting and made clear that we would closely and attentively monitor any further statements made by the professor and use all legal means at our disposal to prevent statements of this kind in the future.
We would now like to take this opportunity to make it very clear that even a superficial "game with words" that crosses the line into discrimination and racism will not be tolerated in any way by the university management and violates the university's self-commitment to respectful cooperation.
Birgitt Riegraf, Simone Probst, Johannes Blömer, René Fahr, Torsten Meier and Volker Schöppner
