Statement by the Rector of the University of Wrocław
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am addressing all those who work at the University of Wrocław, who care for its wellbeing and who wish our Alma Mater to maintain the image befitting one of the finest universities in Poland.
For several years now, our University has been shaken by ongoing tensions that fuel internal conflicts. The resolution of almost every matter requiring agreement between parties holding different views no longer rests on the mutual presentation of arguments, but rather on the brutal exchange of verbal blows.
This situation is being further inflamed by the campaign surrounding the election of the Rector of the University of Wrocław for the new 2024–2028 term. Issues of personnel, procedure, and student matters have become flashpoints. I regard this situation as unacceptable.
I appeal to all of us who make up the University of Wrocław to return to the tradition of academic discourse, to show respect towards our opponents, and to focus on solving problems rather than issuing public accusations against those with different views. Let us practise argumentation with respect, at a university level.
My appeal is prompted by yet another attempt to escalate the internal conflict – this time in the form of a “Letter” addressed to the University community by 15 members of the Senate of the University of Wrocław. Its sole purpose is to widely publicise the claim that I, as Rector, am making decisions with which the authors disagree.
Among the half-truths, distortions and omissions, one finds above all a grievance: that it was I – through democratic election – who became Rector of our University. Not wishing to stoop to the level of trading such non-substantive blows, I shall mention only one episode from the “deliberations” of the Senate: after I had read out a list of charges in a widely discussed personnel matter – debated even in the media – one participant suggested he did not believe what the Rector was saying and wished to examine the documents himself. And it was not enough that such an insinuation was voiced aloud before the Senate of the University of Wrocław, nor that none of the signatories objected or expressed outrage at accusing of falsehood the Rector elected by the University’s electors; now the charge of untruthfulness has been put in writing. This is not in defence of truth, but against the Rector of the University.
Furthermore, the contents of the “Letter” betray a profound misunderstanding of the role of the Senate, of the procedures, and of the processes connected with the governance of a university and the shaping of its staffing policy. This saddens me greatly. I understand that the pre-election atmosphere is growing more heated, but I cannot accept attempts to undermine the authenticity of documents which, as Rector, I present to the Senate – for this is the purpose behind the proposal to establish ad hoc committees in personnel matters.
Because of legal regulations and the protection of personal data, I cannot respond publicly to the charges set out in the Letter – a fact the signatories are well aware of.
A few days ago, in compliance with all requirements concerning the protection of personal data, I also ordered the publication of the minutes of the electoral commission concerning protests linked to by-elections to the student parliament.
I shall keep the Senate informed of further steps.
Despite everything, I believe there is still time to calm the temperature of our disputes and return to the path of discussion – one in which adversaries respect one another, our Alma Mater, and academic traditions.
Prof. dr hab. Robert Olkiewicz
Rector
