Educational institutions - Will she face a vote of no confidence? - Opinions divided on TU President's performance
The Mayor, the Central Council of Jews, and the TU Presidium are piling on pressure against TU President Geraldine Rauch as she faces criticism for liking anti-Semitic posts. According to reports, Mayor Kai Wegner mentioned in a public event that her actions are not wanted in Berlin's science scene. Just a day before, CDU General Secretary Ottilie Klein had also demanded Rauch's resignation through a newsletter to the state association, emphasizing that the situation at Berlin universities must be secure for Jewish students and employees.
With the pressure mounting, the Academic Senate will hold a meeting on Wednesday, where a majority decision could be reached. The TU Presidium consists of professors, academic staff, students, and staff for technology, service, and administration. To keep Rauch in her position, a simple majority is needed. However, for a dismissal, two-thirds majority is required.
If the Academic Senate votes in favor of her dismissal, the decision would move on to the Curatorium. The committee must also approve the decision with a two-thirds majority. Their meeting is scheduled next Monday. Awaiting a minimum of seven days before the next meeting, the Extended Academic Senate would then have to make their choice as well, with yet another two-thirds majority. If all three committees are able to vote for Rauch's dismissal with twelve votes out of sixteen, her termination would be final.
Meanwhile, students and employees are standing by Rauch's side. A poster was put up at the extension building of the TU, expressing support for President Rauch and urging her to stay. The General Students' Committee (Asta) of the TU has similarly shown solidarity by penning a letter, although recognizing concerns about her statements. They note Rauch's role in reducing the divide at TU Berlin and acknowledge her ability to handle sensitive topics thoughtfully. They also believe the attention given to her personal social media activities is disproportionate.
Criticism stems from Rauch's "I like it" reaction to a post containing images of Turkish demonstrators holding a sign with an image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a swastika. The tweet claims the demonstrators are calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Rauch has since apologized, claiming she did not inspect the image below carefully, focusing on the text.
Lars Oeverdieck, TU Rector, has recently called for a speedy decision on Rauch's position. He has received demands for her resignation from political sources as well as within the decision-making body.
According to a Tagesspiegel report, 129 employees have expressed their support for President Rauch in a letter, condemning the intense attacks on her character. The signatories commend her for addressing sensitive issues with thoughtfulness. A decision regarding Rauch's future is anticipated soon.
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- Despite the criticism, a group of TU students and employees have shown their support for President Geraldine Rauch, placing a poster at the extension building and penning a letter to express their solidarity.
- The Academic Senate, comprising professors, students, and staff, will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the future of TU President Geraldine Rauch, with a simple majority required for her to remain in her position and a two-thirds majority needed for her dismissal.
- Kai Wegner, the Mayor of Berlin, has added to the pressure on Geraldine Rauch by expressing his disapproval of her actions in a public event, stating that her behavior is not suitable for Berlin's science scene.
- If the Academic Senate votes in favor of Rauch's dismissal, the decision will then move on to the Curatorium, a committee responsible for approving such decisions with a two-thirds majority, and later to the Extended Academic Senate, requiring yet another two-thirds majority for a final decision.
- The resignation call from CDU General Secretary Ottilie Klein and the criticism from the Central Council of Jews in Germany have amplified the pressure on Rauch, who has since apologized for her "I like it" reaction to an anti-Semitic post that she did not inspect carefully.
- The Daily Mirror report revealed that 129 employees have expressed their support for President Rauch in a letter, highlighting her ability to handle sensitive topics thoughtfully and commending her for addressing divisive issues with care.
- The controversy surrounding TU President Geraldine Rauch's actions and the calls for her resignation have attracted attention in German politics, with demands coming from political sources as well as within the TU's decision-making body.
