Wegner: TU President harms Berlin's status as a scientific hub

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.

Read also:

1. Despite the criticism, Geraldine Rauch is a member of the CDU, a major political party in Germany.
2. The controversy surrounding Rauch has also sparked discussions in German universities, including those affiliated with the University Alliance Berlin, such as the Humboldt-Universität and Freie Universität Berlin.
3. Geraldine Rauch's actions have not only attracted criticism from political figures like Kai Wegner, but have also raised concerns among Palestinian and Israeli student groups at various German universities.
4. In response to the controversy, many universities in Berlin have organized events to address extremism and promote understanding between different religious and political groups.
5. Some prominent figures in the Arab community in Germany, like Geraldine Rauch's colleague Gerald Stetter from the University of Wuppertal, have spoken out against antisemitism and have called for a more inclusive and understanding society.
6. In light of the controversy, many German universities have emphasized the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment, and have pledged to take steps to combat extremism and promote understanding between different religious and political groups.

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