Institutions of higher learning - Wegner: TU President harms Berlin's status as a scientific hub
Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, criticized TU President Geraldine Rauch for damaging Berlin's reputation as a science hub with her actions. Wegner made this remark during a Monday evening event in Reinickendorf, saying, "The damage she's caused isn't just to the Technical University – it extends to Berlin as a whole."
Rauch is facing criticism for liking an antisemitic post on X, a platform that translates to "I like it." The post in question contained photos of protesters with an image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had a swastika painted on him. The author of the post claimed that the protesters in the picture were Turkish and were calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Rauch apologized, stating that she had liked the post based on the text and gave no consideration to the image included.
Wegner finds Rauch's apology unconvincing
Regarding the apology, Wegner said, "The real question is how much weight should be given to her response." He added, "I examined it myself, and it was evident." Nevertheless, Wegner expressed that he was primarily concerned about the decision-making process of the universities' committees. He emphasized, "The most crucial aspect isn't how I perceive it or if it meets my standards. What really matters is how the university committees handle this situation." The first meeting concerning this issue is scheduled for Wednesday. Wegner expressed confidence in the committees' ability to make sound decisions.
CDU General Secretary Ottilie Klein was more direct in her response. In a recent newsletter, Klein once more called for Rauch's resignation. "The position of the CDU Berlin is unambiguous: President Rauch must leave her position, and we will take any required actions to ensure that Jewish students and staff can feel secure again at Berlin's universities," Klein stated.
