Criticism persists against TU President Rauch.

Market Radicalism - Continuing scrutiny of TU President Rauch's leadership

Following a series of contentious posts regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the outspoken remarks made by Berlin TU President Geraldine Rauch continue to elicit criticism, even after an apology. Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) asserted on Friday that there should be no space for anti-Israel sentiments or anti-Semitism at universities. "Our institutions of higher learning should not be considered a lawless territory," she noted in an interview with the Rheinische Post.

The university's leadership should uphold a higher standard, acting as an exemplary model for future academics. "Higher education facilities should not be a 'lawless zone'," she added.

In agreement with his cabinet colleague, Germany's Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) expressed his support for Stark-Watzinger's stance. He published his assertion on the platform X (previously known as Twitter). "Science operates by being meticulous. One who fails to be meticulous and therefore, fails to acknowledge their or her sympathies for anti-Semitism, is not fit for the role of an example for young scholars," he stated.

Felix Klein, the government's Anti-Semitism Commissioner, addressed the situation, urging universities to steadfastly combat anti-Semitism. "We must take into account the perspectives of the individuals affected in all measures against anti-Semitism," he elaborated to Funke Medien Group (online). "The behavior and leadership of the TU Berlin's president, however, indicate that she neglected these crucial principles."

The responsible parties at the Technical University of Berlin (TU) are expected to discuss the possible dismissal of the current president in the coming week. "This matter will be negotiated in the TU, due to our university autonomy, among the responsible committees, and deliberations will commence from next week," stated TU Chancellor Lars Oeverdieck on RBB Inforadio. The designated committee for such discussions is the so-called Extended Academic Senate. "She was elected to her role by this senate two years ago, and dismissal is a legitimate prospect, and thus, must be considered."

The reputational harm caused by her actions has been significant, according to Oeverdieck. "The atmosphere is tense, and people are walking around with a shell-shocked expression," he observed, looking at the committee members. "Now, there is only the possibility of minimizing the damage as promptly and competently as possible."

The election or dismissal of TU presidents is one of the most critical tasks of the Extended Academic Senate, which is slated to convene for its next regular meeting on June 5, at 1 p.m. The senate consists of 61 voting members - 31 professors, 20 other university employees, and 10 students - with proposal and speaking rights extending to several individuals, including the president, vice presidents, and chancellor.

The Curatorium of the TU, as per dpa information, will convene in a special session next week on June 10 at 9 a.m. This select committee is responsible for fostering cooperation between university, state, and societal institutions, and includes Berlin's Science Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD) as a member.

Czyborra told the German Press Agency on Friday that it is the university's obligation to address the matter and counter any suspicion of inaction toward safeguarding Jewish students and suppressing anti-Semitism. While there is no legal mandate for intervention by the Senate or the Science Administration, she affirmed, "If we uphold university autonomy and scientific freedom, we must also recognize the need to recede when necessary. We ought not, in actuality, to risk sabotaging elements of our democratic constitution in this country."

Rauch issued a statement of apology on Wednesday in response to the mounting backlash and alleged that her decision to 'like' the controversial tweet was based solely on its text, without paying careful attention to the offensive image it accompanied. She addressed the content of the post, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza while denouncing Israeli forces' actions in Rafah.

"I prioritized the desire for a ceasefire in the written statement," she clarified. "I would like to reiterate that I would not have endorsed the tweet had I noticed the anti-Semitic imagery or engaged with the author's account." Regardless of her apology, Rauch continues to face criticism, with even the CDU calling for her resignation.

Oeverdieck expressed empathy for the vocal dissent from the political world but also underscored the importance of upholding university autonomy in decision making processes. "Some demand accountability from politics, and that is not how it works."

With regard to the Central Council of Jews' dismissal of Rauch's apology as insincere, Oeverdieck responded: "I think this criticism does not strictly concern the President, but rather, other aspects as well." Recently, the Central Council of Jews had condemned the appointment of historian Uffa Jensen as TU's anti-Semitism commissioner for his lackluster stance against all forms of anti-Semitism. "This objection must be refuted, and I believe that is still the case currently," the TU Chancellor concluded.

The President of the Central Council, Josef Schuster, echoed this skepticism on Thursday: "I find Rauch's apology regarding the endorsement of anti-Semitic tweets unconvincing."