Higher education institutions - The president of TU will determine her next steps.
President Geraldine Rauch of the Technical University in Berlin is in a predicament. She's been under scrutiny due to her liking of antisemitic posts on the platform X. The most controversial of these posts displayed images of demonstrators holding a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a swastika painted on it. A meeting by the Academic Senate didn't discuss her future at the university. Annette Hiller, the committee chairperson, said they didn't decide whether Rauch should remain or not.
However, she has caused significant damage to the university and isn't facing a sweeping dismissal for her mistake.
Out of the 25 committee members, a poll was taken on whether Rauch should continue or not. The results were shared with Rauch, with 24 hours for her to reply. She'd share the committee's opinion on Thursday.
The Academic Senate condemned the "media hype" against Rauch but acknowledged that she committed a serious error. They deliberated whether she should address the "mess" she's created at the university or step down. Ultimately, they chose to conduct a poll on her resignation.
Rauch apologised for liking the post, explaining that she did so for the text and not the photo. The author claims the pictures show Turkish demonstrators calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The professor asked for a disciplinary procedure against herself at the university management. She wanted to confront her charges and ensure a fair investigation. In her initial remarks, she again expressed regret over the antisemitic post. She's also left social media platforms. Rauch vowed to combat antisemitism at the university through determined action.
On Monday, the TU Board of Trustees would hold a special meeting. The board has the power to dismiss Rauch, but any such move would need to be revisited in the Academic Senate before being finalized by the Extended Academic Senate.
Rauch aims to engage in dialogue with the Central Council of Jews, Jewish Student Union, and other stakeholders. They want to facilitate a "truthful discussion" of the situation while considering their suggestions. In the case of anti-Semitic protests, they'll take swift action, and provide counseling hours for Jewish students. They also want to expand the counseling center for victims of antisemitism.
Rauch has faced flak from the incumbent mayor, the Central Council of Jews, and the TU presidium. However, students and employees stood by her.
The Academic Senate includes professors, academic staff, students, and employees working in technology, services, and administration.
The Universities Supervisory Board deals with oversight and the administration's management, while the Academic Senate handles academic aspects.
Read also:
- Despite the Academic Senate not discussing Geraldine Rauch's future at the Technical University in Berlin during their meeting, universities across Germany, including those in Berlin, have been under scrutiny for instances of extremism.
- Following the controversy surrounding President Rauch, calls for addressing extremist views within universities have gained traction in Germany, with politicians, such as Benjamin Netanyahu, voicing their concerns.
- In light of the situation at the TU, Geraldine Rauch has expressed her commitment to combating antisemitism and has plans to engage in dialogue with German organizations, including the Central Council of Jews, to ensure a future free of hate speech.
- The Universities Supervisory Board and Academic Senate in Berlin have a role to play in fostering an inclusive and tolerant environment at universities, and Geraldine Rauch's case serves as a reminder of their responsibility to take decisive action against extremism.
