Universities are places of intellectual debate, says Bernhard Kempen. The lecture by a biologist should definitely have taken place, says the President of the German University Association.
The President of the German University Association, Bernhard Kempen, sharply criticized the cancellation of the lecture by the biologist Marie-Luise Vollbrecht at the Humboldt University in Berlin.
The university has done academic freedom a disservice, Kempen told the German Press Agency. “Instead, she should have shown her backbone and done everything to ensure that the lecture could take place,” says Kempen.
After the announcement of protests, the university canceled the lecture “Gender is not (gender) gender, sex, gender and why there are two sexes in biology”, which was to be held during the Long Night of Science last Saturday, for security reasons . The cancellation has already sparked some criticism.
University spokesman Boris Nitzsche announced that a panel discussion would soon take place instead of the lecture. Science Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) and Berlin Science Senator Ulrike Gote (Greens) should also be invited.
According to Kempen, universities are places of intellectual debate. “Every scientist must be able to put their research results, theses and views up for discussion without fear.” Differences to those who think differently are to be settled in argumentative disputes. “Boycott, bashing, bullying or even violence must not be successful,” Kempen continued.
Vollbrecht’s lecture can be found on YouTube and had more than 41,000 hits on Monday morning. She could not immediately be reached for comment on Monday.
Source: Stern
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