BerlinNews: Berlin Big News: Latest Updates from Germany's Capital City - Supervisory Board of TU convenes to deliberate on President Rauch's tenure.
The supervisory board of the Technical University of Berlin (TU) is set to hold a special meeting on Monday to address the future of President Geraldine Rauch. The virtual meeting starts at 8:00 am, according to a university spokesperson. Attending the session are 11 members of the board, including Senator for Science Ina Czyborra (SPD).
Amidst mounting pressure, Rauch has become the focus of criticism after 'liking' a blatantly anti-Semitic post on X platform during the Gaza War. The 41-year-old apologized and expressed remorse over her actions. Despite a non-binding vote by the Academic Senate expressing their support for her resignation, she decided to stay in office. The Academic Senate didn't file a dismissal motion.
On Monday, the supervisory board may dismiss Rauch with a two-thirds majority. However, they also have the option of issuing a statement or sharing their opinion. If the board chooses to oust Rauch, the matter will go back to the TU's Academic Senate, which will need to decide with a two-thirds majority if they want to support or reject her dismissal. Finally, the Extended Academic Senate will get to decide on the future of Rauch.
Rauch's decision to remain in office didn't sit well with others. European Chancellor Olaf Scholz removed her from his advisory board, the so-called Future Council. The International Auschwitz Committee and CDU parliamentary group leader Dirk Stettner demanded her resignation.
Rauch has announced her intention to fight anti-Semitism at the university more vigorously. She wants to hold disciplinary proceedings against herself to ensure a fair investigation. In a statement, Rauch also expressed her commitment to rectifying her mistakes.
At the Humboldt University, discussions about the Gaza War continue. While the TU is struggling with its leadership, Humboldt University shared their plans for resuming normal teaching after the occupation on the 23rd of May. "Our goal is to reopen the building as soon as possible. Currently, classes are being held at other locations or digitally. We hope to open the building within a few weeks," they said last week on their website. The university estimated the damage at around €150,000. The university filed a criminal complaint for property damage, and for using symbols of a banned organization (Hamas), which includes graffiti and character defamation like the red triangle. Police filed complaints for breach of peace against those who refused to leave the building or fortify themselves.
Palestinian activists occupied the Institute for Social Sciences to protest Israel and support Palestinians. The university initially allowed this and sought dialogue with the occupiers and faculty. Later, the police cleared the occupation, leaving the building severely damaged. The university president, Julia von Blumenthal, has been under pressure due to her response to the situation.
For more information about the university council, visit the website of the TU Dresden.
