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University of Kassel modifies peace clause in research guidelines
The Senate of the University of Kassel has decided to revise its "civil clause," a provision in the university's basic regulations that previously committed research and teaching exclusively to peaceful purposes and civilian objectives. The new wording states that the university is committed to preserving peace, avoiding war, and strengthening the liberal democratic basic order, while noting that research and teaching should serve peaceful purposes.
The university noted that researchers are aware of the difficulties in distinguishing between civilian and potential military uses of their work. The change follows discussions regarding the potential for the clause to hinder cooperation with the defense industry and the Bundeswehr. While the university stated that the new version incorporates appeals from students and staff, it emphasized that the clause serves as an appeal rather than a legally binding restriction on individual scientists.
The decision has sparked significant debate. A student referendum saw 82.3 percent of participants vote to maintain the original clause, though only 18.69 percent of the student body participated, and the vote was non-binding for the Senate. Protests and the occupation of university rooms have occurred in response to the decision. The CDU parliamentary group in the state legislature welcomed the change as an adaptation to modern security realities and dual-use research, while critics argue it may facilitate military-related research.
Entities
CDU · Geraldine Rauch · Kassel · Senate of the University of Kassel · University of Kassel
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The original clause required research and teaching to be committed exclusively to peaceful goals and civilian purposes. www.freitag.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The clause is not legally binding for individual scientists.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The new clause states the university is committed to preserving peace, avoiding war, and strengthening the liberal democratic basic order.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The CDU parliamentary group welcomed the decision to reform the clause. www.cdu-fraktion-hessen.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The University of Kassel Senate decided to revise the existing civil clause in the university's basic regulations. www.cdu-fraktion-hessen.de · www.freitag.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The student vote was non-binding for the University Senate. www.cdu-fraktion-hessen.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The student referendum had an 18.69 percent participation rate. www.cdu-fraktion-hessen.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] A student referendum resulted in 82.3 percent of voters supporting the retention of the original clause. www.cdu-fraktion-hessen.de · www.freitag.de