Position of the authorities of the University of Wrocław towards the occupation of the Institute of Cultural Studies at ul. Szewska
The authorities of the University of Wrocław, in response to the media reports appearing in the public space regarding the protest of students and the illegal occupation of the Institute of Cultural Studies, remind us that at the core of the University of Wrocław’s activity is to uphold freedom of expression, freedom of scientific research and respect for international rights, especially human rights. And therefore, we once again recall the contents of the position of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities on the hostilities in Gaza Strip of 20 May 2024, endorsed on 24 May 2024 by the Presidium of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, with which the authorities of the University of Wrocław fully identify:
On behalf of the academic communities of the Universities, we appeal to the authorities and peoples of the countries of Israel and Palestine to end the bloody conflict, which is now escalating into a slaughter of civilians carried out on behalf of both the state of Israel and Hamas terrorists.
We live in a world where armed conflict is escalating, where guns, tanks and rockets are replacing dialogue and cooperation. As people, as academics, as people who are responsible to young people not only for the quality of education, but also for the values we pass on to them, we feel obligated to respond to the situation in Gaza.
The attack on Israel’s defenseless civilian population by Hamas terrorists last October came as a shock to everyone. However, nothing justifies the direction in which the state of Israel’s retaliation against civilians in the Gaza Strip is developing. No retaliation that affects the civilian population, children, women, young people who should be enjoying life, educating, playing, engaging in dialogue with young Israelis will lead to an end to the conflict, but only brings pain and despair to thousands of people on both sides, a desire for revanchism and an escalation of aggression.
Watching the Russian-induced war across our eastern border, receiving refugees from Ukraine, and talking to Ukrainian colleagues on a daily basis, we know how terribly destructive warfare is not only to the invaded nation. Being a post-war generation, in a country extremely affected by the nightmare of the two great wars of the 20th century, we also know that it takes decades for these wounds to begin to heal.
Once again, we appeal to the States of Israel and Palestine to end the conflict and cease hostilities!
The authorities of the University of Wrocław declare that:
At present, we see no basis for breaking international grant agreements in which the University of Wrocław participates. The two main grant projects with Israeli entities concern the implementation of an effective combination of medicines to improve therapy against Klebsiella pneumoniae, the pneumonia bacillus, and the implementation of research on innovative nuclear receptor particles in the fight against cancer recurrence – it is difficult to consider these projects as politically relevant.
Nevertheless, the UWr Rector declares the establishment of a Commission for Ethics in International Cooperation, whose task will be to assess the ethics of international agreements signed by the UWr concerning research, teaching or grant cooperation.
The UWr authorities also pledge to accept all Palestinian students who meet the conditions for admission to study at the UWr, to accommodate them in student houses belonging to the UWr, and to provide any material assistance that is possible within the framework of current regulations.
UWr being open to scientific cooperation with researchers from Palestine within the framework of research and teaching activities carried out at our University, within the formal and legal possibilities, will try to obtain funds that such cooperation could finance.
The University of Wrocław, in respect for the idea of academic freedom, declares the possibility of university debate at all possible levels of scientific and public discourse. Therefore, if the “Solidarni z Palestyną” initiative is registered in accordance with the internal regulations of the UWr, it will be provided with the opportunity to organize debates, discussions and other forms of popularizing scientific knowledge of Palestinian history and culture.
We would like to remind you that within the framework of the current legal regulations at the University of Wrocław, the full autonomy of the Student Council and the Doctoral Student Council, Student and Doctoral organizations is ensured, there are comprehensive procedures, plenipotentiaries and collegial bodies to resolve disputes. In this regard, support and expert advice can be provided by the Ombudsman for Student Rights, the Ombudsman for Equal Treatment and Anti-Discrimination, the Equal Treatment Committee, the Rector’s Representative for Safety, the Network of Faculty Representatives/Proxies for Equal Treatment and Anti-Discrimination and Safety, or the Representatives for Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment.
The University of Wrocłsw is a democratic, socially responsible and open university. We abide by the law, which we also call on the protesters to do. The occupation of the Institute of Cultural Studies, despite repeated calls is still an illegal action, so we once again call on the protesters to obey the law. We call on them to immediately vacate the occupied teaching spaces, otherwise there will be disciplinary and legal consequences.
Within the framework of existing regulations, it is possible to implement some of the demands put forward by the protesters. Let us summarize. We are open to accepting students and scholars from Palestine, we declare the establishment of a commission to consider ethical dilemmas related to international cooperation, it is possible to hold scientific debates and discussions on the cultures of different nations and the international situation. However, this cannot be done in isolation from the existing legal order.
Rector of the University of Wrocław
Prof. dr hab. Robert Olkiewicz
